Middlesbrough and Southampton are set to clash in the Championship play-off semi-final, with Middlesbrough seeking a return to the Premier League after nine years.
Middlesbrough fans created a fervent atmosphere as they welcomed their team to the Riverside Stadium this morning. Thousands gathered outside the ground to greet the team bus, complete with pyro, scarves, flags and bunting.
“I’ve never experienced anything like that in my life,” Boro striker Tommy Conway told Sky Sports. “I think I speak on behalf of everyone in there [the dressing room], that was very special. Everyone is a little bit buzzed up if I’m being honest. I’m ready to run through a brick wall and I can’t wait for the game to start.”
Middlesbrough’s Premier League Aspirations
Middlesbrough fans believe this is a club that belongs in the Premier League. Should Boro fail to secure promotion this season, it will be a source of regret for many.
Middlesbrough occupied a top-two position for 35 matchweeks. A seven-game winless streak during the run-in, which saw them win just two of their final 10 games, cost them automatic promotion.
Kim Hellberg, in his first managerial role in English football, has guided the team to a top-six finish. For a club that spent 11 consecutive seasons in the Premier League between 1998 and 2009, just one season in the top flight in 17 years since then (in 2016-17) is somewhat underwhelming.
Recent Encounters Favour Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough have had the better of recent encounters between these two sides. Boro are unbeaten in their four games against the Saints (W2 D2) since they were both in the Premier League in 2016-17, all of which have been in the Championship.
Kim Hellberg’s side thrashed Southampton 4-0 at the Riverside in January. Meanwhile it was a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s in September, though both clubs had different managers at the time – Rob Edwards for Boro and Will Still for Saints.
Play-Off History
Middlesbrough have participated in the second-tier play-offs five times, winning it only once. Boro were last in the Championship play-offs in 2022-23 but lost in the semi-final to Coventry.
Southampton have been in it twice, losing in the semi-final to Derby in 2006-07 and winning the final against Leeds two years.
Southampton’s Perspective
As for Southampton, the question is whether they are nailed on for an immediate return to the top flight, or whether there will be a twist in the tale.
- Middlesbrough have been in the second-tier play-offs five times but only won it once.
- Southampton have been in it twice, losing in the semi-final to Derby in 2006-07 and winning the final against Leeds two years.
- Boro are unbeaten in their four games against the Saints (W2 D2) since they were both in the Premier League in 2016-17, all of which have been in the Championship.
Southampton boss Tonda Eckert was asked about the alleged spying on Middlesbrough training in his pre-match interview with Sky Sports. He said: “The