r00fie1
Well-known member
Good evening / morning / afternoon everyone.
Its that time again........
Who`d have thought, back in the first week of November, we would be sitting sweet on the edge of the play-offs waiting to cement our place for a serious run at the the chance of getting into the Premiership? It would have taken a brave fan to put their house on us going up - we arent there yet. We were a stuttering side, looking like it was going to be another mid-table season in the Championship. We showed flashes of brilliance, but there was no consistency. We know the story and what has happened since.
There has been a welcome International Break - a chance for our small squad to recuperate and take stock of where we are and what we need to do to achieve our ultimate aim: its become clear, that Chris Wilder has genuinely held the view that we could make the play-offs this season. He`s wisely been cautious about his aspirations in front of the media - hes not been backwards in coming forwards - hes put a good few journalists to the sword - but hes never been arrogant or made promises which cant be kept.
We`ve all [just about] got on the "bus" and enjoined the journey - including knocking out two established Premiership sides in the FA Cup, seeing the cementing of young talent as regular fixtures in the squad - Josh Coburn and Jonesy. Not just that, we`ve seen a reborn Tav show what hes really capable of. Such a great talent has honed his skills and at only 23 is a regular first name on the team-sheet. Johnny Howson has been reincarnated(!) - playing a crucial role in the midfield - looking more than capable alongside the best sides we have played this season. No issues racing alongside multi-million pound players at Old Trafford or against Spurs. Hes evolved into the sort of Captain we knew he could be: a role model to older pro`s and up-and-coming talent. He looks fitter now than since he first arrived at the club 5 years ago - thats testament to the coaching methods and guidance of wilder and his team.
Sol and Pelts have shown cool-as-a-cucumber attitudes when its been needed: there`s no replacement for experience when it comes to soaking up pressure and passing that crucial ball. Just look at that sublime pass to Isaiah for his first goal. Sol - from deep in defence, fires a pin-spot ball to the right wing - within seconds we see our prize right-back sticking it in the net in front of a jubilant North Stand. Its testament to Jonesy - a ha - that he continues to progress in spite of all the media speculation about his future. Never getting beyond himself, hes demonstrated dedication and desire to improve his game and remain a solid fixture in the team heading towards the play-offs. Whats not to love about our skinny lanky lad - taking on burly defenders and skinning the most seasoned old pro`s.
Dael and Paddy have hardly had a bad game in a long gruelling season. We cant expect 10/10 from anyone, but both have shown they have qualities as men as well as players - Dael has stuck to his tasks, particularly against Ronaldo and Kane. He was stuck to Ronaldo and must have whispered "alright mate" on a few occasions at Old Trafford. Dael seems like hes played for ten years in the first team - but hes still only 25. Hes still with us and hasnt let paper talk upset his game. Paddy has taken everything which comes his way. Hes a key player - another "big thank" you to Sunderland! Speaking of which - our Ginger Ninja has continued his upward trajectory - carefully managing his physical condition and adding magical ingredients to each game. His goals against the likes of Blackpool, Huddersfield and Derby [to name but a few] have been a delight to watch. But hes come into his own as a team-player. His ability to drag defenders wide and run through brick-walls has been exceptional. Anfernee has shown fight in getting his fitness back. Hes arriving in the "right place" with just the nine games left to go. Our Joe, continues to save us from oblivion - in spite of the occasional heart-stopping moment! Neil and Andraz have been essential cogs in wilders Wheel.
So its back to the most crucial nine game mini-season of the season!? We have it within our grasp to get back in the magic top six - with two games in hand over Blackburn Rovers [6th] who are only two points above us. We also have a game in hand over QPR - just behind us. We have to be focused and on top of our game EVERY GAME. Huddersfield narrow win tonight over Hull keeps them in the mix - they may have played 40 games, but they are 7 points above us - so it s not made any easier for us.
At the other end of the table - the mighty Rams are now eight points below the trap-door with seven games to go. Reading are looking better since "The Guvnor" Paul Ince, took over. Barnsley`s mini-run appears to have ended , but just who gets relegated is becoming clearer>>>>
Championship Fixtures [Saturday 2nd April 2022]
Championship Table:
Current Form:
Boro Record v Posh:
[We havent been beaten by Peterborough since 1994! Thats 4-0 to them today then!!!]
MATCH STATS:
[Match SummaryOddsH2HStandingsNews]
A shock 3-1 win over QPR last time out kept Peterborough United’s faint survival hopes alive, with manager Grant McCann saying afterwards that “we’ll give it everything”. The seven-point gap to safety still looks like a mountain to climb with just eight games left, although McCann’s first win at the seventh time of asking in the Peterborough dugout (W1, D2, L4) is at least a platform to build upon.
Now focus shifts to ending a rotten seven-match winless run of home league games (D2, L5). The last time that the ‘Posh’ had a longer such run dates back to 2012, with that winless run stopped at eight games and in a season that they were ultimately relegated from the Championship. A repeat could be on the cards unless Peterborough can notch just a second-ever victory over Middlesbrough in this 12th league H2H (W1, D5, L5).
While Boro were simply outclassed by European champions Chelsea in their FA Cup quarter final, manager Chris Wilder hailed his men for the memories created during the cup run after knocking out two Premier League sides. Attention swiftly turns back to matters of promotion, as Middlesbrough begin their own run of nine ‘cup finals’.
Currently sitting just outside the top six, Middlesbrough can look at their away form as the main culprit for not already being in the playoff places, as they’ve collected only 21 of their 59 points on the road, and have recently conceded at least twice in four straight away trips. Things have improved of late as they’ve managed back-to-back away league clean sheets for the first time since November 2020 (W1, D1), and one more would make it their longest run of away shutouts in the Championship since a four-game run in 2015/16… their last promotion campaign!
Players to watch:
Peterborough’s Jonson Clarke-Harris has scored during both halves in two of his last three appearances, both times making the scoreline 1-1 before half-time.
Boro’s Folarin Balogun will enter the fray in high spirits after scoring three goals across back-to-back games for England U21, and scoring twice over his last three league games.
Hot stat: Middlesbrough have scored eight unanswered goals in matches vs Peterborough.
[https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/footba...ough-prediction-team-news-lineups_482043.html]
English
Middlesbrough make the trip to Peterborough United on Saturday afternoon knowing that victory could move the club into the Championship playoff places.
At a time when Boro are pushing for a return to the Premier League, Peterborough are seven points adrift of safety down at the other end of the standings.
© Reuters
After a period of inconsistency in the Championship, Chris Wilder may have welcomed the distraction of the FA Cup ahead of the international break.
Boro ultimately succumbed by a 2-0 scoreline to a strong Chelsea side, bowing out at the quarter-final stage, but Wilder will be equally satisfied that all of his energy can go into trying to take the North-East outfit back into the Premier League.
Having failed to record back-to-back wins since the middle of January, Boro are certainly not in ideal form, although five wins from 11 league outings have kept them in the running for the playoffs.
Although they sit two points outside of the top six, Wilder will instead focus on the four-point gap to fourth-placed Huddersfield Town with two matches in hand, highlighting that their fate currently remains in their own hands.
In league action, successive clean sheets have been kept against Millwall and Birmingham City respectively, while Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun has netted twice in his last three Championship outings.
© Reuters
Although Boro are naturally regarded as the favourites to see off Peterborough at the weekend, Wilder and co were no doubt left impressed by the performance of their opponents last time out.
Posh were able to end a 15-match winless Championship streak in style, coming from behind to record a 3-1 victory at Queens Park Rangers.
All three strikes came either side of half time, Jonson Clarke-Harris chipping in with a double before Jack Marriott contributed a third soon after his team had taken the lead.
Still sitting well adrift of safety, Grant McCann is aware that his players have much work ahead, but their win at the Kiyan Prince Foudnation Stadium was reward for the upward trajectory of their recent displays.
A total of eight goals have been scored in four matches, a flurry of strikes which make up exactly a quarter of their total goals in the second tier this season.
Peterborough United Championship form:
© Reuters
Having sustained a knee issue while on international duty with Northern Ireland, Oliver Norburn looks likely to miss this fixture.
However, Clarke-Harris is expected to be fit after a dead leg, while Sammie Szmodics has been able to rest a groin injury.
Boro defenders Dael Fry and Paddy McNair will both be assessed ahead of kickoff after sustaining groin and foot injuries against Chelsea.
Sol Bamba and Lee Peltier are on standby to deputise for the key duo, while Andraz Sporar and Duncan Watmore are pushing to return in attack.
Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Aaron Connolly is likely to be the player to drop out of the team.
Peterborough United possible starting lineup:
Cornell; Edwards, Knight, Kent; Ward, Taylor, Fuchs, Mumba; Szmodics; Marriott, Clarke-Harris
Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Lumley; Dijksteel, Fry, McNair; Jones, Crooks, Howson, Tavernier, Taylor; Connolly, Balogun
Its that time again........
Who`d have thought, back in the first week of November, we would be sitting sweet on the edge of the play-offs waiting to cement our place for a serious run at the the chance of getting into the Premiership? It would have taken a brave fan to put their house on us going up - we arent there yet. We were a stuttering side, looking like it was going to be another mid-table season in the Championship. We showed flashes of brilliance, but there was no consistency. We know the story and what has happened since.
There has been a welcome International Break - a chance for our small squad to recuperate and take stock of where we are and what we need to do to achieve our ultimate aim: its become clear, that Chris Wilder has genuinely held the view that we could make the play-offs this season. He`s wisely been cautious about his aspirations in front of the media - hes not been backwards in coming forwards - hes put a good few journalists to the sword - but hes never been arrogant or made promises which cant be kept.
We`ve all [just about] got on the "bus" and enjoined the journey - including knocking out two established Premiership sides in the FA Cup, seeing the cementing of young talent as regular fixtures in the squad - Josh Coburn and Jonesy. Not just that, we`ve seen a reborn Tav show what hes really capable of. Such a great talent has honed his skills and at only 23 is a regular first name on the team-sheet. Johnny Howson has been reincarnated(!) - playing a crucial role in the midfield - looking more than capable alongside the best sides we have played this season. No issues racing alongside multi-million pound players at Old Trafford or against Spurs. Hes evolved into the sort of Captain we knew he could be: a role model to older pro`s and up-and-coming talent. He looks fitter now than since he first arrived at the club 5 years ago - thats testament to the coaching methods and guidance of wilder and his team.
Sol and Pelts have shown cool-as-a-cucumber attitudes when its been needed: there`s no replacement for experience when it comes to soaking up pressure and passing that crucial ball. Just look at that sublime pass to Isaiah for his first goal. Sol - from deep in defence, fires a pin-spot ball to the right wing - within seconds we see our prize right-back sticking it in the net in front of a jubilant North Stand. Its testament to Jonesy - a ha - that he continues to progress in spite of all the media speculation about his future. Never getting beyond himself, hes demonstrated dedication and desire to improve his game and remain a solid fixture in the team heading towards the play-offs. Whats not to love about our skinny lanky lad - taking on burly defenders and skinning the most seasoned old pro`s.
Dael and Paddy have hardly had a bad game in a long gruelling season. We cant expect 10/10 from anyone, but both have shown they have qualities as men as well as players - Dael has stuck to his tasks, particularly against Ronaldo and Kane. He was stuck to Ronaldo and must have whispered "alright mate" on a few occasions at Old Trafford. Dael seems like hes played for ten years in the first team - but hes still only 25. Hes still with us and hasnt let paper talk upset his game. Paddy has taken everything which comes his way. Hes a key player - another "big thank" you to Sunderland! Speaking of which - our Ginger Ninja has continued his upward trajectory - carefully managing his physical condition and adding magical ingredients to each game. His goals against the likes of Blackpool, Huddersfield and Derby [to name but a few] have been a delight to watch. But hes come into his own as a team-player. His ability to drag defenders wide and run through brick-walls has been exceptional. Anfernee has shown fight in getting his fitness back. Hes arriving in the "right place" with just the nine games left to go. Our Joe, continues to save us from oblivion - in spite of the occasional heart-stopping moment! Neil and Andraz have been essential cogs in wilders Wheel.
So its back to the most crucial nine game mini-season of the season!? We have it within our grasp to get back in the magic top six - with two games in hand over Blackburn Rovers [6th] who are only two points above us. We also have a game in hand over QPR - just behind us. We have to be focused and on top of our game EVERY GAME. Huddersfield narrow win tonight over Hull keeps them in the mix - they may have played 40 games, but they are 7 points above us - so it s not made any easier for us.
At the other end of the table - the mighty Rams are now eight points below the trap-door with seven games to go. Reading are looking better since "The Guvnor" Paul Ince, took over. Barnsley`s mini-run appears to have ended , but just who gets relegated is becoming clearer>>>>
Championship Fixtures [Saturday 2nd April 2022]
Championship Table:
Current Form:
Boro Record v Posh:
[We havent been beaten by Peterborough since 1994! Thats 4-0 to them today then!!!]
MATCH STATS:
[Match SummaryOddsH2HStandingsNews]
A shock 3-1 win over QPR last time out kept Peterborough United’s faint survival hopes alive, with manager Grant McCann saying afterwards that “we’ll give it everything”. The seven-point gap to safety still looks like a mountain to climb with just eight games left, although McCann’s first win at the seventh time of asking in the Peterborough dugout (W1, D2, L4) is at least a platform to build upon.
Now focus shifts to ending a rotten seven-match winless run of home league games (D2, L5). The last time that the ‘Posh’ had a longer such run dates back to 2012, with that winless run stopped at eight games and in a season that they were ultimately relegated from the Championship. A repeat could be on the cards unless Peterborough can notch just a second-ever victory over Middlesbrough in this 12th league H2H (W1, D5, L5).
While Boro were simply outclassed by European champions Chelsea in their FA Cup quarter final, manager Chris Wilder hailed his men for the memories created during the cup run after knocking out two Premier League sides. Attention swiftly turns back to matters of promotion, as Middlesbrough begin their own run of nine ‘cup finals’.
Currently sitting just outside the top six, Middlesbrough can look at their away form as the main culprit for not already being in the playoff places, as they’ve collected only 21 of their 59 points on the road, and have recently conceded at least twice in four straight away trips. Things have improved of late as they’ve managed back-to-back away league clean sheets for the first time since November 2020 (W1, D1), and one more would make it their longest run of away shutouts in the Championship since a four-game run in 2015/16… their last promotion campaign!
Players to watch:
Peterborough’s Jonson Clarke-Harris has scored during both halves in two of his last three appearances, both times making the scoreline 1-1 before half-time.
Boro’s Folarin Balogun will enter the fray in high spirits after scoring three goals across back-to-back games for England U21, and scoring twice over his last three league games.
Hot stat: Middlesbrough have scored eight unanswered goals in matches vs Peterborough.
[https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/footba...ough-prediction-team-news-lineups_482043.html]
Preview: Peterborough United vs. Middlesbrough - prediction, team news, lineups
By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 1d
Middlesbrough make the trip to Peterborough United on Saturday afternoon knowing that victory could move the club into the Championship playoff places.
At a time when Boro are pushing for a return to the Premier League, Peterborough are seven points adrift of safety down at the other end of the standings.
Match preview
After a period of inconsistency in the Championship, Chris Wilder may have welcomed the distraction of the FA Cup ahead of the international break.
Boro ultimately succumbed by a 2-0 scoreline to a strong Chelsea side, bowing out at the quarter-final stage, but Wilder will be equally satisfied that all of his energy can go into trying to take the North-East outfit back into the Premier League.
Having failed to record back-to-back wins since the middle of January, Boro are certainly not in ideal form, although five wins from 11 league outings have kept them in the running for the playoffs.
Although they sit two points outside of the top six, Wilder will instead focus on the four-point gap to fourth-placed Huddersfield Town with two matches in hand, highlighting that their fate currently remains in their own hands.
In league action, successive clean sheets have been kept against Millwall and Birmingham City respectively, while Arsenal loanee Folarin Balogun has netted twice in his last three Championship outings.
Although Boro are naturally regarded as the favourites to see off Peterborough at the weekend, Wilder and co were no doubt left impressed by the performance of their opponents last time out.
Posh were able to end a 15-match winless Championship streak in style, coming from behind to record a 3-1 victory at Queens Park Rangers.
All three strikes came either side of half time, Jonson Clarke-Harris chipping in with a double before Jack Marriott contributed a third soon after his team had taken the lead.
Still sitting well adrift of safety, Grant McCann is aware that his players have much work ahead, but their win at the Kiyan Prince Foudnation Stadium was reward for the upward trajectory of their recent displays.
A total of eight goals have been scored in four matches, a flurry of strikes which make up exactly a quarter of their total goals in the second tier this season.
Peterborough United Championship form:
- L
- L
- D
- D
- L
- W
- W
- L
- W
- L
- D
- W
Team News
Having sustained a knee issue while on international duty with Northern Ireland, Oliver Norburn looks likely to miss this fixture.
However, Clarke-Harris is expected to be fit after a dead leg, while Sammie Szmodics has been able to rest a groin injury.
Boro defenders Dael Fry and Paddy McNair will both be assessed ahead of kickoff after sustaining groin and foot injuries against Chelsea.
Sol Bamba and Lee Peltier are on standby to deputise for the key duo, while Andraz Sporar and Duncan Watmore are pushing to return in attack.
Brighton & Hove Albion loanee Aaron Connolly is likely to be the player to drop out of the team.
Peterborough United possible starting lineup:
Cornell; Edwards, Knight, Kent; Ward, Taylor, Fuchs, Mumba; Szmodics; Marriott, Clarke-Harris
Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Lumley; Dijksteel, Fry, McNair; Jones, Crooks, Howson, Tavernier, Taylor; Connolly, Balogun
We say: Peterborough United 1-2 Middlesbrough
On the back of their surprise success last time out, Peterborough will be full of confidence ahead of a must-win fixture. However, we feel that Boro's extra quality will eventually shine through, potentially collecting all three points during the closing stages when Posh are torn over whether to take risks.
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Chris wasa also very pleased that our lads on International Duty have returned with no injuries.
