Middlesbrough look likely to miss out on automatic promotion after the results last weekend, and now look to the playoffs as their last chance to secure top-flight football.
Boro could play against a few different teams in the playoffs, with a team running on good form and with a few slowly losing momentum in the final days of the Championship.
But who will be Middlesbrough’s opponents in the playoffs? And will the Teessiders make their way back to the Premier League? TUXtra had a look at Boro’s promotion rivals.
Ipswich
Ipswich have their eyes on automatic promotion with their decent run of form but still have a chance to fall into the playoff spots if they are not careful.
If Ipswich play in the playoffs, Middlesbrough could be happy with a game against them, as Boro hold a win and a draw, staying unbeaten this season against the club.
Middlesbrough will need to look out for Ipswich striker Jack Clarke, who has scored 15 goals this season, as he is joint third in the Golden Boot race. He also added to his tally in last Sunday’s clash, scoring a controversial penalty to steal a point.
Boro, especially, will have a chance with key player Hayden Hackney, who is hoping to return before the playoffs. He was one of the star players who helped beat Ipswich earlier this season.
Millwall
Millwall also have their eyes set on automatic promotion as they set to chase Ipswich, who are on equal points, but Millwall remain in third, trailing on goal difference, and Ipswich holds a game in hand.
The Lions will have a good fight if they meet Middlesbrough in the playoffs, as both teams have beaten each other at their own grounds, making a potential playoff match very interesting for neutrals.
Boro will need to have a strong finishing touch as they struggle at the sight of goal. Millwall also lead the league in clean sheets, making it hard to score past them
Millwall also hold an ex-Boro player, Josh Coburn, who punished the Boro at the Riverside last time they met.
Southampton
Southampton is in good recent form as they are unbeaten since January, making them look almost unstoppable as they look to be one of the favourites to win the playoffs, even with Middlesbrough in the mix.
But Boro might feel lucky if they go against Southampton, as head-to-head this season, they drew and won 4 – 0 at home, making it look easy, but will their most recent form still be a threat to Boro?
Southampton’s form has also continued in the FA Cup as they beat Premier League teams like Fulham and even Arsenal, which puts them into an FA Cup semi-final, making them look like a challenge, even for teams in the Premier League.
Southampton are dangerous as they are top of the league for big chances created, showing they are a very creative team. Middlesbrough must stop them from creating their chances if they want a chance to win.
Wrexham
Newly promoted Wrexham are well-known for being good at getting promoted as they have been promoted back-to-back-to-back. They have not had to use the play-offs in this stretch as they are normally promoted in automatic positions, which may play into Boro’s hands.
Middlesbrough might still not be fully happy if they go against Wrexham yet, with only one game played, Boro managed only a draw against them. The draw at the Riverside might sway the odds in favour of Wrexham, as they took the point away with a chance to take more points when they face off in Wales, as the remaining game is still to be played on the last day of the season.
Both teams are very equal in terms of their skills in front of the goal, with almost an equal number of goals scored, but Middlesbrough hold a stronger position as they don’t concede many goals, whereas Wrexham sort of struggles with that, which can help Boro’s chances.
But Boro still will have to be careful of Josh Windass, who has scored 15 goals this season, the same as Jack Clarke and Oli McBurnie. Josh is joint third in the league for goals and looks dangerous for any team, especially since he scored against Boro in their 1-1 draw, showing he has already beaten Boro’s defence before.
Hull City
Hull City now sit just outside of the playoffs, but are a team who do like to score. If they get into the playoffs, they shouldn’t be a team to underestimate, even against a team like Boro, who don’t concede many.
Middlesbrough have to be careful of Oli McBurnie as he is one of the most clinical strikers in the league now. He is joint third in goals, but Boro also have to be careful of Joe Gelhardt, as he is on the rise with 14 goals, one behind Oli, as they both show Hull can never be taken lightly.
Middlesbrough and Hull City have both beaten each other in reverse fixtures, but only Boro should have the most confidence still, winning the season series on aggregate 4-2.
Middlesbrough will need to be careful as Hull are known to get a lot of yellow cards. They lead the league with the most yellow cards, having collected 112 cards altogether. Boro playing them could lead to them getting fouled a lot, which can benefit them. leading to Hull players being sent off, but it can also lead to key players getting injured.
