Middlesbrough face Southampton in the first leg of their 2025-26 Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final.
Middlesbrough qualified for this play-off semi-final by finishing fifth in the league table just behind fourth-placed Southampton, as the pair were only split by goal difference on 80 points apiece.
Team News
Hayden Hackney could return for Middlesbrough if he passes a late fitness test following his return to training, having been absent since mid-March due to a calf injury.
Alfie Jones (ankle) and Darragh Lenihan (Achilles) remain ruled out.
Southampton could welcome Kuryu Matsuki back into contention after a minor calf injury kept him out of their 3-1 win at Preston.
Flynn Downes is back following completion of his suspension, whilst Jack Stephens is also expected to be in contention after he missed their last four matches due to a calf injury.
Alex McCarthy (wrist) and Mads Roerslev (Achilles) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Middlesbrough host Southampton at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday 9 May at 12:30pm BST, live on Sky Sports in the UK.
Stat Attack
- This is Middlesbrough’s first play-off meeting against Southampton, but they are unbeaten in their last four meetings against the Saints (W2, D2).
- Southampton have won two of their last five visits to Middlesbrough (W2, L3).
- Two of Boro’s last three meetings against Southampton ended in a 1-1 draw, albeit away on the South Coast.
- Tommy Conway has scored three goals in his last two appearances for Boro (W1, D1).
- Cyle Larin has scored in four of his last five league appearances for Southampton.
Prediction
Having found their form again in the last few weeks, Middlesbrough should feel confident coming into these play-offs with home advantage in this leg but they have to be more focused than they were at Wrexham after their early opener, yet they dug deep to snatch a 2-2 draw.
Southampton meanwhile are on a 19-match unbeaten league run coming into these play-offs and have to be considered overall favourites to go up, especially given their squad depth and momentum but it remains to be seen if a spygate saga derails their focus.
Nevertheless their last away defeat at the start of the calendar year came at Middlesbrough in a 4-0 result so this is a chance for the Saints to show how well they has progressed since, but I can see Middlesbrough digging in for a draw if this first leg is tight and cagey.
Prediction: Middlesbrough 1-1 Southampton
Result: Middlesbrough 0-0 Southampton
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