Middlesbrough vs Watford

Middlesbrough and Watford will both be eager to revive their playoff aspirations when they meet at Riverside Stadium on Saturday.

The hosts have suffered three consecutive defeats in the Championship, while the Hornets have managed just one point from their last five outings.

Match Preview

Middlesbrough’s pursuit of a playoff spot for the second time in three seasons has been hindered by a disappointing run of results.

Michael Carrick’s side has won only two of their last 10 league games, losing four of their previous five, including each of their last three since a 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on January 21.

Their recent struggles continued with a 2-1 away defeat to Preston North End, followed by a heartbreaking 3-2 loss in the Tees-Wear derby against Sunderland.

More late drama saw them fall again in Tuesday’s trip to Bramall Lane. Delano Burgzorg equalized from the penalty spot just before halftime, but Sheffield United regained control in the second half, with Ben Brereton Díaz and Anel Ahmedhodzic securing a 3-1 win. That result left Boro in ninth place, three points outside the top six.

Despite their recent struggles, Middlesbrough can take confidence from their recent home record against Watford, having won their last two encounters at Riverside, including a 3-1 victory last season.

Watford’s Struggles

Watford, currently in 12th place and two points behind Boro, have endured a tough spell, winning just once in their last 10 league matches (D2, L7).

Tom Cleverley’s side has lost four of their last five games since beating Derby County 2-0 on January 18. That poor run included three straight defeats to Preston North End, Coventry City, and Norwich City, followed by a 2-2 draw at Sunderland, where they conceded a late equalizer.

Their woes deepened on Tuesday with a heavy 4-0 home loss to league leaders Leeds United, conceding three first-half goals at Vicarage Road.

With five consecutive home defeats, the pressure is on the Hornets to improve their away form, having won just three of their 16 Championship road games this season (D4, L9).

However, they will take encouragement from their previous meeting with Boro, having come from behind to claim a 2-1 victory in October’s reverse fixture.