The hectic winter period is now nearing as Middlesbrough prepare to face Sheffield United in a Championship clash on Wednesday.
It has been a disappointing start to the 2024/25 campaign for Michael Carrick and his Boro players.
Middlesbrough lost 2-0 to Bristol City last time out, seeing them slip down to ninth in the Championship table and four points away from the play-off places.
The North East outfit have now won just four of their opening six Championship fixtures and are in danger of blowing their promotion push before it ever really got started.
Another tough test awaits Middlesbrough on Wednesday evening when they host Sheffield United at the Riverside Stadium in an 8pm BST kick-off.
The Blades, now led by former Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder, are fourth in the division and battling it out for an automatic promotion place despite being given a two-point deduction ahead of the season getting underway.
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Sam Parkins shares Middlesbrough vs Sheffield United score prediction
Sheffield United were last in Championship action on Friday evening, suffering their first defeat of the season to Leeds United.
However, the Whites are in much better form than Boro this term and Wilder’s men are expected to fare much better this time around.
Carrick and co. struggled against the top teams in 2023/24 and that looks to be the case once more in the current season.
Speaking on the Championship Check-In podcast, EFL pundit Sam Parkins shared his score prediction for the game and backed the Yorkshire outfit to come away with a big 3-1 win.
He said: “It was disappointing from Sheffield United on Friday but I understood. Wasn’t enormously surprised by the way they set up and I thought that was clear respect to Leeds. But Leeds still had to perform and break down what in the first half looked like a really resolute Sheffield United.
“I thought they [Sheffield United] looked well drilled defensively, different shape but no surprise they’re keeping so many clean sheets, they just didn’t connect with the forward players and didn’t have that ability to make chances.
“I think the Sheffield United win is probably the most likely outcome.
“I’ll go for Boro to be done twice in quick succession at home. I’ll go 1-3.”
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How Middlesbrough can beat Sheffield United
Sheffield United have been in top form this season and are still one of the best teams in the division despite their loss to Daniel Farke’s side.
On paper, Middlesbrough have a squad capable of matching the Blades but Carrick should look to make a couple of changes to his starting line-up for the game.
After failing to score since the opening day against Swansea City, Emmanuel Latte Lath could be dropped in place of Tommy Conway up front.
Behind the Scotsman, Alex Gilbert should be given a chance in the number 10 role after he impressed earlier in the season.