Today we see Boro return to the Riverside Stadium as they get ready to face out of form Birmingham City in this evening’s kick-off.
Last Time Out
An offside call from the linesman cost Middlesbrough all three points as they were held to a 2-2 draw in their last away game of the season.
Boro knew a win could potentially secure them promotion by the end of the weekend but were made to wait for another week as the linesman had other ideas.
With the scores at 2-2, Daniel Ayala volleyed in from close range in an onside position but the linesman was quick to flag up.
Birmingham had taken the lead but thanks to goals from Jordan Rhodes and Gaston Ramirez, Boro found themselves in the driving seat but Birmingham pulled a goal back late on through Davies.
Aitor Karanka’s men had to settle for a point but would secure promotion the following weekend with a 1-1 draw at home against Brighton.
Team News
Middlesbrough will welcome back Republic of Ireland right back Cyrus Christie after the full-back had missed the 2-1 loss against Leeds at the weekend.
Middlesbrough certainly missed the experienced as the slumped to defeat at Elland Road.
The game could come too soon for striker Rudy Gestede and it’s evident that Boro could do with his physical presence at the moment.
Birmingham on the other hand have a number of injury issues.
Midfielders Stephen Gleeson (thigh) and Craig Gardner (calf) will have late fitness tests. Carl Jenkinson (shoulder), Isaac Vassell (knee), Maxime Colin (hamstring) and David Stockdale (arm) remain out for the Blues.
Former Boro right back Emilio Nsue makes his return to the Riverside Stadium today after leaving the club just under a year ago.
Prediction
With Birmingham being in poor form this season and Boro looking solid against the weaker sides I expect Boro to take all three points here.
Prediction: Middlesbrough 3-0 Birmingham
Result: Middlesbrough 2-0 Birmingham
Thanks for reading.
By Jake Self
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