As Boro followers nervously glance once more at their spreadsheets to check that they haven't overlooked a permutation that means relegation is a mathematical impossibility, Neil Warnock is preparing to face his last employers Cardiff City and working out how to secure that all important point that will guarantee Championship football.
OK, the odds are still in Boro's favour even if they end the season on 50 points and thanks to the earlier kick-off of Charlton v Wigan, it's still possible Neil Warnock and his players could be celebrating safety come the first-half drinks break. It certainly would redefine that drinks break if we see the unusual sight of the team in red popping the Champagne corks and acting like Formula One winners after just 23 minutes but it would surely be tempting. Indeed, it would no doubt be encouraged by the opponents from South Wales, who desperately need the points if they are to secure a play-off spot and contemplate indulging in the bubbly themselves after promotion.
Of course the celebrations for Boro can only happen if Wigan fail to beat Charlton as it would mean that with a 12-point penalty they could only finish on 49 points, which together with Barnsley now also unable to overtake Boro and the fact that Hull and Luton can't both win since they play each other, so one of them will finish below us. Although, given the Lactics form not beating Charlton is a big if. At least Charlton travel to Leeds for their final game so that won't be an easy return for their manager Lee Bowyer if he needs three points.
So Boro for now must simply concentrate on getting that required point for the mathematical certainty of not needing to rely on others or risking the even more certain outcome of Typical Boro, which would surely conspire an unlikely set of results to prove it's really the driving force behind the false hope that permanently hangs over Teesside.
After picking up ten points in their first four games since the restart, Cardiff stuttered slightly by losing their next two but saw off Derby (sorry Wayne Rooney's Rams) in the last game to keep matters in their own hands. The Bluebirds will be hoping their former manager will help them once again to promotion by failing to get a result on Saturday. Incidentally, Warnock's promotion with Cardiff two years ago made him the first manager to achieve eight league promotions – whether he still has another one in him is possibly something Steve Gibson will soon contemplate.
One of Warnock's former players was perhaps less than complimentary about his old manager after saying about the current gaffer, Neil Harris: "He has just settled down the team a bit and given everyone a bit of confidence that everyone can still play football - it's not all about playing long balls." Although, he did at least add about Warnock: He has been successful at what he's been doing – it's his type of way of playing football and it's worked, I personally think it's a bit old fashioned, but it still works for him and I enjoyed playing under him." Whether he enjoys meeting up with him after the game is another matter.
Anyway, I'm sure every Boro supporter will settle for a good old fashioned ground out nil-nil tomorrow but that may be a tall order with the club now down to their last senior specialist central defender in Dael Fry. It may well be that Warnock's best form of defence is attack and once again selecting plenty of young energetic players who are full of spirit and fight as was shown at Reading. The problem with the current team is if they start on the back foot they seldom get off it – indeed, some appear to only have two back feet. So it's a dangerous game playing for draw as what happens if Boro concede their usual early goal at the Riverside? I think we can all guess!
So can Neil Warnock's team avoid dragging out the agony until the last game or is pain and suffering just all part of the normal life of a Boro supporter. As usual give your thoughts on team selection and predictions of the score – plus will the manager be forced to make five substitutions after the first-half drinks break after celebrations following a Wigan defeat leave some players looking less coordinated than usual!
So can Neil Warnock's team avoid dragging out the agony until the last game
It’s a no from me! The Reading game was great but I saw them as an ok team not giving it absolutely everything. I expect Cardiff to be much better and, unfortunately, I think they’ll beat us.
Boro 0-2 Cardiff
Thanks for the preview, Werder. Let’s hope it’s champagne all around at approximately 3pm!
Thanks, Werder for your review as you say we have players who only Have back feet but as that old saying if they if they did not have back feet they would not have any feet at all...!!!.So I can only see a typical Boro home defeat 1-2
I look on Cardiff as one of those bogey teams that Boro seem to seldom beat - no doubt Ken will prove me wrong - but I'm going back to the days of John Toshack who always seemed to score and Boro always seemed to lose. I'm going to go for Boro 2 - 2 Cardiff. I must say 0 - 0 or 1 - 1 would be just good. daren't mention a w-n.
UTB,
John
Thanks Werder. I hope (desperately) that we pick up at least a point against Cardiff or other results go our way because I would find it too nerve wracking to go to Sheffield Wednesday needing a point.
It seems next season will start behind closed doors with limited crowds allowed from October. I could nervously cope with going to the Riverside but am not looking forward to the train journeys. With 4 trains to Middlesbrough and 3 or 4 trains home I will be listening for any coughing. I usually catch a cough/cold on my travels at least once a year.
Thanks for the preview Werder, nicely written.
As for the result, as much as I have got most (Boro’s) wrong, I believe Cardiff we be too strong and too motivated for our lot.
It will be Typical Boro, defeat and the other results going against us. We will be then left sweating for five days and then 90+minutes for hopefully another season in the Championship. Boro don’t do easy.
It should be the first time in many a match that we are full of confidence, free of any fears of the drop, a few young players with speed and no fear, at home, attacking, shooting, with Roberts now joining in with all round passing and shooting, Wing actually in the front third of the pitch, with Fletcher, Tav. and Roberts to pass to.
Cardiff will be as tight as a drum with a play off looming. Welcome to the club, we have endured that all season.
It's getting messy: the Terriers have just beaten WBA by 2-1 to go a point & two places above Boro, with a GD of -15 compared with Boro's -12... A point agin the Bluebirds tomorrow afternoon definitely welcome. *prays* The Dirties promoted. 🙁
The usual thanks Werder for the great starter discussion piece.
I have to admit to some trepidation about this game - Cardiff at home - still have the memory of the FA cup game back in 2008 in my mind!
Hopefully this will be the game that will put that to bed and despite the pressure on the players, then we will win.
I will be coming out from behind the sofa to watch the game so fingers crossed for Boro 2 Cardiff 0.
UTB
Thanks Werder for a preview which spells out how at least a point tomorrow is essential if we are to avoid a gut wrenching final match.
I had us down for a draw tomorrow but I am becoming more nervous as the hours tick by and as results/outcomes are not going in our favour. Terriers go above us and Leeds promoted meaning they could well be coasting when they play Charlton.
This is all building toward a final day nightmare scenario.
Bottlers 0-2 Bluebirds.😎
For the first time in about three years I’d advocate a back four rather than wingbacks for this game. The simple reason being that we don’t have enough centre-backs now!
I wouldn’t change much from the Reading game but based on his last couple of performances, I’d be tempted to give Spence a rest. He hasn’t looked himself following his broken nose.
Warnock hasn’t seen much of Wing yet and I don’t think he’s played in his best position for him at all. So I’d go 4231 with Wing as the no. 10:
Pears
Djiksteel Fry Friend Johnson
Howson Saville
Roberts Wing Tavernier
Fletcher
For the first time in about three years I’d advocate a back four rather than wingbacks for this game. The simple reason being that we don’t have enough centre-backs now!
I wouldn’t change much from the Reading game but based on his last couple of performances, I’d be tempted to give Spence a rest. He hasn’t looked himself following his broken nose.
Warnock hasn’t seen much of Wing yet and I don’t think he’s played in his best position for him at all. So I’d go 4231 with Wing as the no. 10:
Pears
Djiksteel Fry Friend Johnson
Howson Saville
Roberts Wing Tavernier
Fletcher
I'd go with that as well, I think we need solidity but also a threat to keep the pressure off or even nick it.
The Huddersfield win tonight is only a blip, its unlikely that the Terriers, Stoke or ourselves will go down in any case, it will just be case of who finishes above who. The Bottom four will be fighting it out to be the odd one out. If any of the clubs on 50 points will go down it will be Birmingham.
Cardiff will be desperate for the win tomorrow but that also makes them vulnerable. Time is running out and they know that they need the points. There will be more nerves in their camp than ours.
I'm hoping everything is done and dusted tomorrow as if it isn't then it will mean the results have not gone our way. I think I'd settle for a draw tomorrow - though that's for the Hull v Luton game - plus if Wigan have to win against Charlton then hopefully it will be a repeat of their victory over Hull!
Anyway, I'm just about ready for the close season, the school holidays have already started, Mrs Werder is also now off work for three weeks and I'm flat out trying to finish my last project before the weekend is over and the rain holds off so I can finally have a break.
We've opted against going away given the Covid risks and the general pointlessness of a having a relaxing time by keeping in a permanent state of vigilance - which is just as well given our car developed a fault last week with it's clever emissions reduction system that while it doesn't effect the car running, the onboard computer has decreed it will prevent the car from starting again in 750km if it's not fixed. What's the world coming to when you get blackmailed by a car's computer!
Incidentally, the part in question unfortunately costs €1,300 to replace and appears difficult to get hold of as not many are made - to make matters worse we were still within a 12 month warranty period but discovered only parts that were listed (and it's a long and meaningless to list to a non-mechanic) are covered by the insurance company and it seems they somehow neglected to list this one and since we signed it, they're sticking to the list.
So if Typical Boro made cars, they'd have certainly made this one - I hope it's not an omen about the season but it least it proves anyone can make a costly bad signing...
As well as Huddersfield now being safe, it looks as if West Brom have now blown automatic promotion as Brentford only need 4 points now to pip them, and with an away game at Charlton and a home game against Barnsley they should do it considering there recent form.
It’s a very unlikely ⚽️⚽️ From me
as we near the end of a long (very long !) drawn out season can I just add my thanks to Werder and RR for making life so bearable in producing this blog and the match reports for which I am grateful.
Thank you it’s appreciated
OFB
@john-richardson it’s am eyeballs in the sky for me ! ⚽️⚽️
OFB
OFB,
I got up early this morning and set up base camp behind the couch. The windows are fully blacked-out, Estrellas are ready for my little chiller box and all methods of communication have had batteries removed or had the fuses taken out. There are some crisps and nuts as survival rations and a pie, not Petch's, for lunch. The Boss has been told not to pass notes under the door.
0 - 0 will do but I fear... stay calm and take deep breaths.
UTB,
John
John - I am not as prepared as you are! I have, probably, against my better judgment, decided to watch the game. I would have been going so instead of packing up my lunch and setting off at 1130 for drive north, I can relax in the sun with a beer before 3pm. Hang on a tick, will be raining!
Whether I make it to full time sober remains to be seen!
I'm going for a 2-1 Boro win With Tav and Fletch doing the business!
I'd settle for a dreary 0-0 though!
It’s hard to see how we win this one and so a draw between Luton and Hull is my main wish for this round as it would see us finally safe.
I hear what is being said about Wigan not winning but a) I thinks it’s very unlikely and) I still have an irrational fear of the 12 point deduction being overturned. We have such a history of being shafted by the various governing bodies that I’d hate to rely on that actually happening.
UTB
Like Plato said, I also think we will play this game as the first for a long long time, without fear and trepidation. I am expecting the best Boro performance in ages and we will surprise everyone with a good win. I'm going 3-1 to Boro. Fletcher, Saville and Wing for us.
Thanks to Werdermouth for his reviews this season, always appreciated.At the moment I’m having dizzy spells and awaiting to have my ears syringed before the end of the month as I’m inserting drops in them at the moment to soften the wax, but I can’t put that down to my mistake yesterday in stating that Brentford ought to win at Charlton today to almost be assured of automatic promotion. In fact the Bees are at Stoke today and that maybe a more difficult prospect although a draw should be enough for them.
Back to the relegation situation and it’s becoming like Agatha Christie’s famous play now renamed as ‘Ten Little Soldier Boys’ for obvious reasons. For those unaware of the play it revolves about one little soldier dying one by one until none were left though of course in this case it’s the reverse of one relegation threatened club winning a match they weren’t expected to as each club reaches the 51 point mark and is saved from relegation.
So far in the ExMill Challenge I don’t think I’ve forecasted one correct result, and as I’ve forecasted defeats today and on Wednesday I’m hoping I get one of those results wrong or there will be some nervous Boro fans around. I can understand John Richardson thinking that Boro never do well against Cardiff because of that 0-2 FA Cup defeat in 2008 when Wembley beckoned, but although Boro lost 0-1 at home to Cardiff two years ago they did win the previous 3 encounters at the Riverside. One surprising thing though is that this fixture has not produced a home draw in Middlesbrough in the last 50 years albeit that the two clubs have only met 13 times during that time. So maybe one is due today, but so is any home win as Boro haven’t tasted a home victory this year.
Realistically though past results should have no bearing on today’s match especially as it’s unique being played behind closed doors. When Boro have played a ‘must win’ game for promotion in the last match of the season the attendance has invariably been the biggest crowd of the season, so perhaps Boro will be deprived of nearly 30,000 for today’s match. Nevertheless in reality I think Boro will lose today and hope that their goal difference doesn’t take too much of a hammering. I also think that Luton will win at Hull, so that relegation will go down to the wire and a dreaded match at Hillsborough, though 50 points should still be enough.🙂
Realistically, play off challenging team playing away at a bottom six team that hasn't won at home all year and is just about safe from relegation only ends one way. Cardiff fans will be panicking about "Typical Cardiff", especially with Neil Warnock in charge.
I think the main thing is to see if we can actually put in two good performances in a row and stay competitive for a whole game regardless of the result.
Team wise, I expect the same formation with possibly some players rested if they're carrying knocks or blowing somewhat. I suspect he's going to alternate Britt and Fletcher to keep them fresh.
Pears
Dijksteel Fry Friend Johnson
Howson Saville
Spence Roberts Tav
Britt
Might see Coulson in with Tav swapping to the right & Spence out. Might see Wing in the number 10 role if Roberts isn't fit enough. Might see McNair almost anywhere.
Team News...
Boro are unchanged
An injury time equaliser for Charlton means Boro can't be relegated!
Wigan will now finish below Boro after the 12 point deduction.
Looks like it will be Champagne in the drinks interval after all 🙂
An injury time equaliser for Charlton means Boro can't be relegated!
Wigan will now finish below Boro after the 12 point deduction.
Looks like it will be Champagne in the drinks interval after all 🙂
I am still nervous that the powers that be may not give Wigan a 12 point deduction or indeed Sheffield Wednesday a deduction. I have this suspicion that Wigan will only be deducted enough points this season to keep them up, with the remainder deducted at the start of next season.
That would be typical Boro should we end up in a relegation place. Hopefully by close of play today, we will be guaranteed survival.
Werder, you are more optimistic than. I would not be surprised Wigan winning their appeal given the EFL handling of the whole issue. In reality the decision should have been made by now, and then all the teams would know what they had to do.
For the season to end on Wednesday and make a decision after that is a terrible judgement.
Cannot see us beating Cardiff, so hoping for a draw at Hull. Boro never make it easy.