The intensity of Middlesbrough’s promotion battle is highlighted by their current form.
Middlesbrough’s Form Table Position
Middlesbrough are currently seventh in the form table. This table considers the last six games of all Championship sides. Boro have 11 points from three wins and two draws.
Southampton and Coventry Lead the Way
Southampton leads the mini-table with 16 points. Coventry City are in close second, also with 16 points on goal difference. Southampton have recovered well after Tonda Eckert replaced Will Still in November. Coventry’s recent revival looks to have them nailed on for winning this league.
The Race for the Top Six
Millwall are third in the mini-table with 15 points. Ipswich and Wrexham both have 13 points. Norwich are sixth with 12 points. Southampton will have their eyes fully focussed on the top six, which adds further fuel to the promotion battle.
Boro’s Recent Form
Boro’s position in this mini-table is due to their recent blip. Following the Coventry defeat, they drew at home against Oxford and Leicester. There are several decent sides all battling for the chance to reach the top flight, which means that nobody can relax for one minute.
Challenges Ahead for Middlesbrough
Boro are involved in a run of three games in six days, which intensifies the pressure on Kim Hellberg and his squad. Hellberg has shown a recent tendency to try to stick with the same 14 or 15 players in his starting line-up. This policy will be tested to the full in the forthcoming home games against Charlton and Bristol City, especially following Dael Fry’s latest setback.
The six-game mini-table does not reflect the current positions in the Championship, just the form teams. Boro are still in the major driving seat and at the moment you would bet against them staying there.