Middlesbrough go into the September international break sat seventh in the Championship.
Expectations were high at the Riverside Stadium going into the 2024/25 campaign.
Middlesbrough were predicted to fight for promotion after ending the previous season with a run of just one defeat in their last 12 league outings.
Michael Carrick watched his side continue that superb run on the opening weekend with a victory over Swansea City.
However, an Isaiah Jones error and a lack of clinical finishing saw Middlesbrough lose 1-0 to Derby County in their following Championship outing.
Boro then struggled against another newly promoted side, drawing 2-2 with Portsmouth.
But they finally got back to winning ways on August 31st, with an own goal and Matt Clarke header seeing Middlesbrough beat Cardiff City 2-0.
While seven points from four is much better than Middlesbrough’s return from this time last season, the Teessiders now have some very tricky games coming up and the outcomes of said fixtures could shape their entire season.
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Middlesbrough next five fixtures
Once the international break is over, Middlesbrough play host to Preston North End on Saturday, September 14th.
Carrick’s side then have a week to prepare for one of the biggest games of the season as they take on bitter rivals Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on September 21st.
Boro’s September is rounded out with a home clash versus Stoke City on September 28th before a hectic October is kicked off with away ties against West Bromwich Albion and Watford on October 1st and 5th.
Which of those games are winnable for Middlesbrough
If Boro want to make a proper promotion push this season, they probably need to win at least three of their next five and maybe even draw one to make up for a somewhat slow start.
However, at least three of those fixtures look very, very tough for Carrick and his men.
On paper, the meetings with Preston and Stoke should see Middlesbrough collect all six available points.
The former are 21st in the division and have lost three of their first four. And while Stoke did thump Boro 5-0 in the League Cup, the North East outfit will have a much stronger eleven out this time around, with a few key players likely back from injury as well.
The remaining three fixtures against Sunderland, West Brom and Watford are expected to be much harder and may see Boro potentially pick up zero points.
All three matches are away from the Riverside and the above trio are currently the top three teams in the Championship, with Sunderland and West Brom yet to lose a game this season.
If Boro do indeed lose three of their next five, the likes of Sunderland could pull away from them in the race for Premier League promotion.