Middlesbroughvs.Sheff Weds

At a time when Boro sit in 10th position in the standings, the visitors are down in 23rd spot, albeit just two points adrift of 20th-placed Plymouth Argyle.

Match preview

There is a feeling among Middlesbrough fans that they may have left a charge for the playoffs too late, the deficit standing at nine points with seven matches remaining.

Nevertheless, there can be few complaints regarding their most recent form, Michael Carrick's side having put together a five-match undefeated streak.

The goalless draw at home to Blackburn Rovers before the international break was an obvious frustration, yet the same was not felt when earning a 1-1 draw at Southampton on Good Friday.

Emmanuel Latte Lath's header during the closing stages secured a share of the spoils at St Mary's after trailing since the 12th minute, and it leaves Boro with the fifth-best away return in the division.

However, it is Boro's form at the Riverside Stadium that has cost them this season, with just one victory being posted in the league since the turn of the year.

From Sheffield Wednesday's perspective, a recent four-match winning run has provided Danny Rohl's side with every chance of pulling off the great escape.

That said, the Owls are now three games without success, conceding eight goals to Leeds United and Ipswich Town before the international break to really heap the pressure on the Yorkshire giants.

On Friday, though, Rohl witnessed his side battle their way to a 1-1 draw at home to improving Swansea City, and they now only sit in the bottom three courtesy of goal difference.

Three of Wednesday's next five games are against direct relegation rivals, but Rohl will want to take advantage of this fixture to try to ensure that their fate remains in their own hands heading into those encounters.

Middlesbrough Championship form:

L

W

W

W

D

D

Sheffield Wednesday Championship form:

W

W

W

L

L

D

Team News

While Paddy McNair could return to the Middlesbrough XI, Jonny Howson generally impressed in an unfamiliar role of centre-back against Southampton and may retain his place.

Alex Gilbert made an impression as a substitute but will likely remain among the replacements, but Sam Silvera could return on the left flank.

The likes of Rav den den Berg, Dael Fry, Hayden Hackney and Marcus Forss are all expected to miss out through injury.

Despite the quick turnaround, Rohl may be against making alterations to his Sheffield Wednesday starting lineup.

Dominic Iorfa, Barry Bannan and Djeidi Gassama will all be considered for recalls, but the game may come too soon for Ian Poveda who missed out on a place in the squad on Friday.

Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:

Dieng; Ayling, Howson, Clarke, Engel; Barlaser, O'Brien; Jones, Azaz, Silvera; Latte Lath

Sheffield Wednesday possible starting lineup:

Beadle; Diaby, Ihiekwe, Famewo; Valentin, Vaulks, Palmer, Johnson; Ugbo, Cadamarteri, Musaba

We say: Middlesbrough 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday

Despite the difference in league positions, this has the makings of being a hard-fought contest. We fancy Wednesday to be competitive throughout, perhaps even leading at one stage, but Boro are playing with the kind of confidence that suggests that they could prevail through a late goal.

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