Bristol Vs Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough aim to rejuvenate their playoff aspirations as they prepare to face Bristol City at Ashton Gate in Friday's Championship fixture. Currently positioned 11th in the league, Boro trail the top six by four points, while the Robins hold the eighth spot, two points ahead.

Bristol City's season has been marked by resilience, with a record of 11 wins, 13 draws, and nine losses out of 33 Championship matches. Their recent form underscores their tenacity, securing two victories, three draws, and suffering only one defeat in their last six outings. This solitary loss occurred against Swansea City earlier this month, but they promptly bounced back with a 2-0 home triumph over Stoke City.

In their most recent match, the Robins faced Cardiff City in the Severnside derby. Despite taking the lead through Jason Knight, a 90th-minute equalizer from Yousef Salech resulted in a 1-1 draw, extending Bristol City's winless streak in away games to nine league matches. However, their home form tells a different story; they've emerged victorious in six of their last eight games at Ashton Gate. This home advantage is further bolstered by their success in recent encounters with Middlesbrough, winning the last three meetings, including a 2-0 victory at the Riverside Stadium in October.

On the other hand, Middlesbrough, under the guidance of Michael Carrick, have faced challenges, managing only two wins in their last 11 Championship fixtures, alongside four draws and five losses. Their recent form is concerning, with five defeats in their last six league matches, including consecutive losses to Preston North End, Sunderland, Sheffield United, and Watford.

The latest setback was a 1-0 home defeat to Watford, where Moussa Sissoko's goal proved decisive. This loss marked Middlesbrough's second consecutive home defeat and highlighted their struggles at the Riverside, with just one win in their last six home league games. Their away form offers little solace, as they've lost their previous three matches on the road since a New Year's Day victory over Hull City.

Despite these challenges, Boro's offensive capabilities remain notable. They've netted 26 goals in 15 away matches, making them the highest-scoring away team in the division. This attacking prowess will be crucial as they aim to break a six-game winless streak against Bristol City, with their last victory dating back to August 2021.

As both teams prepare for this pivotal clash, Bristol City will look to capitalize on their strong home form and recent successes against Middlesbrough. Conversely, Boro will be eager to reverse their fortunes, relying on their attacking strength to secure a much-needed win and reignite their playoff ambitions.