Championship predictions: Boro to close the gap on Sheff Utd?

 The English Championship is one of the most competitive leagues in the world, with several teams vying for promotion to the Premier League. Middlesbrough has been performing well in recent weeks and is looking to close the gap on Sheffield United. In this article, we will examine whether Boro has what it takes to catch up to the Blades and make a push for promotion.

1. Recent form of Middlesbrough:

   Middlesbrough has been in excellent form in recent weeks, winning five of their last six games. They have climbed up to seventh place in the Championship table and are just six points behind sixth-placed Bournemouth. Their recent performances have been impressive, with manager Neil Warnock getting the best out of his players. The likes of Duncan Watmore, Marcus Tavernier and Yannick Bolasie have been in excellent form, and their contributions have been crucial to Boro's recent success.

2. Sheffield United's recent struggles:

   In contrast to Middlesbrough, Sheffield United has been struggling in recent weeks. The Blades have won just one of their last six games and have dropped points against several lower-placed teams. Their recent form has seen them drop to fourth place in the table, just two points ahead of Boro. While they are still in a strong position to push for promotion, their recent struggles have given hope to teams like Middlesbrough.

3. The remaining fixtures:

   The remaining fixtures of both teams could play a crucial role in determining whether Middlesbrough can catch up to Sheffield United. Boro has a relatively favorable run-in, with games against several lower-placed teams, including Rotherham United, Wycombe Wanderers and Sheffield Wednesday. Sheffield United, on the other hand, faces several tough games against promotion rivals, including Swansea City, Cardiff City and Bristol City. While both teams will need to be at their best to secure victories in their remaining games, Middlesbrough's fixtures give them a slight advantage.

4. Head-to-head record:

   
   
   The head-to-head record between the two teams this season also favors Middlesbrough. Boro won the reverse fixture 2-1 earlier in the season and will take confidence from that result. They will also be buoyed by the fact that Sheffield United has struggled against teams in the lower half of the table this season, dropping points against the likes of Rotherham United and Coventry City.

Conclusion:

While Middlesbrough still has work to do to catch up to Sheffield United, their recent form, favorable run-in and head-to-head record give them reason to be optimistic. Neil Warnock has a wealth of experience in the Championship and knows how to guide his teams to promotion. If Boro can continue their recent form and pick up points against the teams around them, they have a good chance of closing the gap on Sheffield United and making a push for promotion.