Middlebrough

[Gloucester_Ram]

If they beat Blackpool tonight (which is highly likely) do they become favorites to go up with whoever wins from our game...?

[dcfcdavecov]

No.

They have 7 top 12 teams away from home.

Blackpool at home are surprisingly alright - the pitch is nasty.

Derby to win, Middlesbrough to draw is my prediction.

I also don't think Bournemouth will cope with the Saturday/Tuesday schedule coming up. It's a squad game now.

85 points will do it.

[roger_ramjet]

If they beat Blackpool tonight (which is highly likely) do they become favorites to go up with whoever wins from our game...?

This has got to be one of the most bizarre propositions I have ever seen on this board. Beat the bottom team with 17 games to go and suddenly become favourites?

Wierd,just plain wierd...

[Gloucester_Ram]

Lol why so weird? Is it not true that they will move second with a win..?
I didn't say favorites for the league either!
I worry about them the most, as they wont go away!!

[Ramondo]

I can see where Gloucester gets the rational from - Boro have been pecking away at the door consistently and look very strong contenders. A win that lifts you into the top 2 ahead of a rival is a psychological boost, no matter who it's against.

They are playing the bottom club and will be delighted that the two teams above them are playing each other - it's a cracking chance for them to move up a place.

I wouldn't say that by just the results of this week you could count anyone as being more or less of a promotion favourite though but it could lead to some momentum. I get the feeling that once Boro get a foothold they won't be easy to shift.

Bournemouth have a bigger squad than people think though, so they are better equipped to deal with lots of games than you might expect. They are however a bit reliant on a smaller number of key players, we have by far the stronger squad now. We need to make it count.

[Gloucester_Ram]

I can see where Gloucester gets the rational from - Boro have been pecking away at the door consistently and look very strong contenders. A win that lifts you into the top 2 ahead of a rival is a psychological boost, no matter who it's against.

Yes this is my concern, they have been so consistent for so long Now, i would hate to be chasing bournmouth AND Boro..!

I wasnt aware they had that many tricky games away left though.. Maybe i should be less of a pessimist!

[SlimyLimey]

Yes I guess if we lose tonight we will be fighting to avoid relegation.

[CalumDCFC]

I agree that Boro are the ones to watch. They have gone largely under the radar but have been very impressive on the whole and out thought/fought us nit long ago. But of course the only way we will get up automatically is by doing a Mourinho and only focusing on ourselves. Our performances are excellent recently imo and we have avoided those spells of dodgy defending on the whole. I think 7 clean sheets from 9 it is at the moment and we need to praise Forsyth, Shotton bit particularly Bucko, Keogh and Grant who have improved hugely from last season. I thought Keogh may have mentally crumbled following Wembley but he has shown huge leadership and determination. Big credit.

[Popsidepaul]

Yes, Boro look strong, and if they win tonight and we draw they go top. IMO it will be 2 from the current top 3. We have options now and unlike in the past an injury in any position can be covered with quality replacements. got butterflies already!

[Rapid]

No.

They have 7 top 12 teams away from home.

nice stat dave. I like that.

I can't see past us, b'mouth and m'boro for the top 3. clearly the best 3 sides in the division imo.

then you've got Watford and Norwich who can be as good on their day but not as consistent.

from day 1 I've said Bournemouth and still people keep knocking them. I don't get it at all. is it because they're a 'little' club? I think they've clearly been the best side in the league so far. we're lucky to be level with them. I don't see them 'fading'. I think it's gonna be a tough battle to the end.

I'd be very happy with a draw tonight and won't be heartbroken if we lose, because we probably will.