Boro have an outside shot at play-offs
How Middlesbrough’s academy is getting it right, says boss Carrick
the perfect scenario. I think it just shows his consistency really, over a long period of time. It’s not easy when you’re a younger player, but he’s certainly done that. I know he’s had a couple of injury concerns over the past couple of months or so, but his performances over a long period
IT’S only seven points, but Middlesbrough face a huge task if they are to break into the Championship top six and the end-of-season play-offs.
Michael Carrick’s men are still in with a chance, there’s no doubt about that, but have it all to do in the final eight games of the season.
While they have turned their form around with a four-match unbeaten run to rekindle hopes of a repeat of last season, it’s not so much the points gap as the number of sides ahead of them that raises the difficulty level for Boro.
Four sides are battling it out for a top-two place, which means two from Leeds United, Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton will take play-off spots.
West Bromwich Albion look reasonably set for fifth place – of course nothing is set in stone yet, but it’s looking increasingly likely that it’s a six-team race for the final place. And Middlesbrough are currently near the back of that chasing pack.
But if that sounds a bit pessimistic, then fear not. At this stage of the season, form can count for everything and Boro return to action after the international break with that firmly on their side.
It’s just that they need to get past Norwich City, Coventry City, Hull City, Preston North End and hold off the challenge of Cardiff City.
The size of the task is reflected in the latest bookies odds on the promotion picture.
Boro are currently priced at 100/1 outsiders to be playing Premier League football next season, which is perhaps understandable given they would have to make the top six and then negotiate a play-off semi-final against whichever side finishes third – before winning the final at Wembley. That would be some run.
Of course, we’ve seen plenty of play-off shocks in the past, so the first target is just to get there. For that, Boro are priced at a more reasonable 33/1. That could all change should they got to St Mary’s and beat Southampton on Friday, of course, with relegation strugglers Sheffield Wednesday at the Riverside on Easter Monday.
It may be a long shot, but the fact Boro are still in the hunt points to a positive future for the squad under Carrick. It’s going to be an exciting few weeks, that’s for sure.