There has been a recurring theme regarding where Middlesbrough are predicted to finish the 2024/25 Championship season.
Middlesbrough beat Swansea City 1-0 at the Riverside Stadium to kick off their 2024/25 campaign.
It was the first time Boro have won on the opening day for 10 years, suggesting things are looking up this term.
As the new campaign gets underway, meanwhile, various pundits have shared their thoughts on how Michael Carrick and his men will fare this season.
Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman urged Middlesbrough to be more consistent when assessing their promotion chances.
TalkSPORT’s Phil Spencer thinks Boro will aim for the top six in the current campaign. Meanwhile, the club’s Head of Football Kieran Scott believes Middlesbrough will be in and around the promotion race.
After the North East outfit finished eighth in 2023/24, it is easy to see why nobody is predicting Boro to win the Championship.
Their six signings so far this summer will help them take a step toward the Premier League but three more additions could turn Middlesbrough into league winners.
Michael Carrick has three issues to fix at Middlesbrough
If Middlesbrough are to win the Championship this season, Carrick must fix these three issues before deadline day.
A long-term injury to Alex Bangura means Boro are short at left-back, currently having just Lukas Engel available for that role.
With Jonny Howson, Dael Fry and Daragah Leinhan all sidelined, Middlesbrough have just two fit senior central defenders – a problem that must be addressed soon.
Finally, if Middlesbrough let Alex Gilbert leave, as they are said to want to do, another number 10 should come in to support Finn Azaz.
Three signings who will turn Middlesbrough into Championship winners
Steve Gibson has already backed Middlesbrough well this summer, spending decent sums on Tommy Conway and Micah Hamilton.
But if he wants to see his side win the Championship this term, the Boro chairman should get his wallet back out for three more players.
Left-back: Ryan Giles
Middlesbrough have been linked with Ryan Giles for much of the summer transfer window so far.
Hull City are somewhat reluctant to sell but after he assisted 11 during his season-long loan at the Riverside, Gibson should pay the Tigers whatever they want for him.
Centre-back: Craig Dawson
The future of Boro’s defence is in safe hands thanks to Rav van den Berg but the North East outfit need a short-term solution this summer due to their injury woes.
35-year-old Craig Dawson would provide exactly that, bringing a wealth of experience and Premier League ability to the club.
Number 10: Ilias Chair
Even if Gilbert stays at Middlesbrough this month, Ilias Chair would be a massive upgrade on the 22-year-old.
Despite featuring for a struggling Queens Park Rangers, Chair scored seven and assisted eight in 2023/24.
The 26-year-old is a creative attacking midfielder who would provide completion for Azaz and Riley McGree. He is one of QPR’s best players, however, so Gibson would likely have to cough up a large transfer sum to land him.