Middlesbrough to solidify playoff place
Middlesbrough host promotion rival Millwall on Saturday with just two matches left in the Championship season. Middlesbrough have won two straight matches putting them in fifth place place in the league.
A win on Saturday would lock up a place in the promotion playoffs. However, Millwall come to town looking to spoil the party. The Lions are coming off of their first loss since January 1. It could prove to be the big difference between making the postseason and missing a chance at back to back promotions.
The match on Saturday is the definitive six-point affair. A Millwall win would see the club move within one point of Middlesbrough with a game to play. A win may also lift Millwall over sixth place Derby depending on results elsewhere.
Millwall won the previous meeting between the clubs. That fixture came all the way back in December before either team found a rich vein of form. Middlesbrough have won two straight matches and manager Tony Pulis will have striker Patrick Bamford fit and ready for selection. However, the forward could be left on the bench due to the great form of Britt Assombalonga.
The Englishman has struck 14 times this term and two of those goals came in his last five matches. Bamford has tallied 10 goals for Middlesbrough, but Pulis doesn't play the two strikers together, preferring to deploy a No. 9 with two wingers. Bamford hasn't scored since March 30 for the club.
Millwall manager Neil Harris also faces a dilemma going into Saturday's fixture. While injuries are not his concern, Harris is worried about player fatigue. Harris has resisted changing his starting XI during Millwall's fantastic winning run. However, the team could have peaked as the gruelling Championship season nears its end. Millwall have allowed four goals in their last two matches – three against Fulham – and are winless in that timespan.
Millwall must win to have a shot at making the promotion playoffs. A draw does them little to no good. Therefore, Harris' side will go for blood straight from the start. It may leave the team's tired looking defence open at the back, allowing Stewart Downing and Adama Traore space on the flanks. Pulis' teams love to cross the ball and Middlesbrough should be able to get at Millwall's defence all game long. Due to Millwall's growing fatigue, Middlesbrough can win on Saturday and secure a place in the Championship promotion playoffs.
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