Thanks for the opener Martin. As a number have said we have a poor record against Rovers and have only won 2 out of the last 20 games home and away! This is possibly the best chance to get a win. They are missing Andy Weimann their latest scorer who always seems to score against us. They also have Adam Forshaw in their squad. Their new manager has yet to win a game!
Thanks for the opener Martin with your added local intel and the surprising fact that Rudy Gestede is head of football operations at Blackburn - though you weren't clear if that was in a medical capacity given his love of the treatment room when at Boro but I suspect not given he would never be described as clinical...
Anyway, it's still non-stop on projects over here making use of the excellent sunny weather, so looking forward to watching the Boro go 5th tonight against a struggling team that is surely a good opportunity to pick up another three points!
Not sure if Rav is ready to start and given Howson and Borges have done a good job so far and Iling-Junior has slotted in nicely at left-back, then it might cause too much disruption as surely Borges won't be dropped but return to left-back - plus Howson has been superb in the central defensive role where he both reads the game and carries the ball out of defence. Btw I'm not in agreement of Howson moving to right-back as don't think he has the recovery pace or fitness to get up and down the pitch for 90 minutes.
I can see Whittaker starting on the right though as Burgzorg has played his best on the left - though I suspect Carrick will be keen to keep Iheanacho's confidence up by not dropping him. What I'd like to see is at least one of Conway or Iheanacho actually play as a centre-forward as a notable focal point has been lacking in the team since Latte Lath departed.
@werdermouth. “ Btw I'm not in agreement of Howson moving to right-back as don't think he has the recovery pace or fitness to get up and down the pitch for 90 minutes.“.
I am in complete agreement with your view on Howson at RB, much safer to play him in a central role where he can make up for his lack of pace by reading the game.
I also agree that barring injuries, the team will be the same that started last time, except Whittaker in for Burgzorg as you suggest. 😎
Belated thanks Martin for your enjoyable reflections on tonight's game. I agree with the general feeling that we need to do what we have too rarely managed this season which is to start on the front foot and encourage the Blackburn faithful to express their frustrations.
We did this at Stoke and dominated the first half during which the home supporters really turned against their team. Stoke's equaliser just on the stroke of half-time made a mockery of our dominance and turned the tide of the game as the mood suddenly changed. For 15-20 minutes we were under the cosh until goals from Azaz and Forss finally settled matters. We saw this at Norwich too when Conway's missed penalty galvanised their supporters and changed the game.
So no silly mistakes or unforced errors should be the order of this evening
Funny thing about Forshaw, I thought he would have been a good signing for Boro but was very disappointed with his performances in our shirt.
That probably means he’ll play a stormer against us tonight !
OFB
Thanks !
They keep changing the dose and times to take them as they’re wiping me out and making me more dozy than I usually am !
Just got an email to say further tests planned !
OFB
Thought Whittaker might have got the nod over Burgzorg given his impact after coming on against Oxford - also wonder if we'll see McGree today?
Thought Whittaker might have got the nod over Burgzorg given his impact after coming on against Oxford - also wonder if we'll see McGree today?
That, it seems, was CJ'a thinking, too:
Carrick has ultimately opted to keep his faith in Borges and Howson, which feels warranted, given how well they've done of late. With Leeds to come on Tuesday evening, it wouldn't at all be a surprise to see him back in for that one, however, and therefore not risking him for too long is this one has merits too.
Further forward, I went for Whittaker over Burgzorg in my predicted team. Whittaker did so well off the bench against Oxford last time out that I was tempted to think Carrick might have made that change to try and almost really boost Whittaker's confidence. It hasn't looked a natural role for Burgzorg on the right, either. But ultimatey, it's hard to argue with leaving it unchanged.
Only one change in the squad too, with still no return for Edmundson or Fry. The change sees Anton Palmer replace Law McCabe on the bench. Both central midfielders, Anton is just 16 and is the twin brother of Bailey, who recently made the first-team bench as well. Both are England youth internationals and said to be attracting interest from Premier League clubs.
Blimey! Tommy Conway finds the back of the net after only two minutes - CJ:
Boro ahead! How's that for a fast start! Iheanacho volley into Conway's path and his touch to flick and turn past his defender is Bergkamp-esque. Wonderful, and complemented by an excellent finish.
Well is that the early goal (or two) Martin asked for 😉
Blimey! Tommy Conway finds the back of the net after only two minutes - CJ:
Boro ahead! How's that for a fast start! Iheanacho volley into Conway's path and his touch to flick and turn past his defender is Bergkamp-esque. Wonderful, and complemented by an excellent finish.
And six minutes later, Iling-Junior makes it 0-2 with further assistance from Iheanacho! 🙂
CJ:
Good work from Burgzorg down the right. Waits patiently before cutting back for Iheanacho on the edge. He tees up Iling-Junior, whose effort takes a wicked deflection (*) and goes in. Not sure it'll stay as an Iling-Jr goal, but it matters little. Great start!
(*) the deflection was off Danny Batth, of all people...
First Boos from Blackburn supporters after Iheanacho just missed a third...
Borges off injured in the 32nd minute. 🙁 Replaced by RvdB.
Blackburn didn't lay a glove on Boro in that first half and Boro could've even had a couple more goals - unfortunately Borges fell to the centre-half curse and had to go off but at least Rav is fit enough to play. Another goal will see this game safe so another quick start after the break may do it.
A shame Iheanacho missed that third. We could all have relaxed. Do not throw it way now, Boro.
Comment at half-time from the former Blackburn midfielder, Mark Atkins, quoted in the Beeb's live match commentary:
The fans have just said it all with their boos. No energy, no desire. The centre-halves have been all over the place.
Middlesbrough have been able to do whatever they want. They look a good side, well coached.
Blackburn getting back into the game, as Boro look to have ran out of stream a little.
Too many loose balls from the midfield. Where is Azaz wheyou need him.
Time for a couple of subs.
Also from the Beeb commentary:
A remarkable stat for you as we hit a mini-lull in this second-half...
Michael Carrick is the longest serving Championship boss having been with Middlesbrough for two-and-a-half years since he was appointed in October 2022.
Is he on track to take Boro to a second play-off finish in three seasons? They last reached the play-off semi-final in the 2022-23 season but were knocked out by Coventry, who then lost to Luton in the final.
Blackburn getting back into the game, as Boro look to have ran out of stream a little.
Too many loose balls from the midfield. Where is Azaz wheyou need him.
Time for a couple of subs.
We're approaching the 75-minute mark. That seems to be when MC starts making substitutions...
Blackburn getting back into the game, as Boro look to have ran out of stream a little.
Too many loose balls from the midfield. Where is Azaz wheyou need him.
Time for a couple of subs.
We're approaching the 75-minute mark. That seems to be when MC starts making substitutions...
Beeb comment in the 70th:
Wow... Middlesbrough should have killed this game off.
Delano Burgzorg goes clean through on the right and tries to square it for Tommy Conway but it's behind him and Blackburn can clear.
Whittaker on for Burgzorg in the 71st minute.
Giles, Barlaser & Forss on for Azaz, Conway & Iheanacho in the 86th minute.
So, 0-2 it finishes, but by all accounts, it should have been two or three more!
Job done. I’ve got a win at last. At Blackburn of all places.
Quite a scrappy second half with Boro not really clicking like the first half - plus they spurned a couple of good chances to make the game comfortable. Still, Blackburn never really looked like scoring and Boro kept them from getting back into the game.
Bit of a worry to see Travers struggling with his ankle and hope he's fit for Leeds next week but it's another three points after a quick start with lots of intensity. Still not convinced with Iheanacho as he doesn't look confident on the ball and loses it in dangerous areas. I think Whittaker will start next game. Iling-Junior starting to look a decent player but a few others not at their best - notably Azaz, Morris, Dijksteel and Hackney who gave the ball away too often.
Still job done and up to 5th and that's what it's all about at this stage of the season - keep getting the three points and get ready for the next game. Incidentally, I'd give Conway motm for his workrate and great early opening goal that set us up for the win!
Excellent 3 points. I have to say that I didn’t recognise Boro in the first half. They were so good and could easily have scored more. Second half and Blackburn gave it a go and Boro weren’t as comfortable but again had chances to score.
Many players put in tremendous physical efforts , none more so than Morris - he took a fair bit of bashing for the team. I particularly like Howson’s calmness and bringing the ball out of defence. Happy if he plays in this position for the remaining games. Hope Borges injury isn’t too serious.
Nice relaxing weekend for the players and supporters as the pressure is now on Coventry, WBA and Bristol City. Hopefully one or more results go Boro’s way.
Don’t say it loud but Boro could be on a roll.
Philip from Huddersfield 👍👋🤗🤗
Boro gaining momentum at the right time. Now onto “the Dirties” on Tuesday! A few weeks ago you would say no chance but now who knows? A win would go down very well with me in Eboracum with so many Leeds fans down here. UTB
Yes Boro were really on it in that first half from the off - if we can start games like that every week then we'd probably have a dozen more points now. Not sure what happened in the second half but perhaps a few players let their level drop a bit and they lost the ball too often.
I agree Morris put in a good physical performance but he seems to have lost that ability to make simple passes recently that kept the team in control - maybe he lacks the option ahead of him since January.
Shame we lost Latte Lath and Doak as add them to this side and I'd fancy us against most teams - even the good ones. At least Boro are seeing off the ordinary and poor sides and that's now 16 points from the last 21, so some momentum at the end of the season that could well see us get over the line.
@werdermouth Conway my MOtM also. I thought we were great for the first 15/20 minutes, then sat back a little. Same in the second half when we gave the ball away far too many times, from too many players.
Azaz appears to be back to his early season form, too much of a luxury.
Stll three points is three points, however you get them.