Middlesbrough vs Sheffield Wednesday Preview
This evening see’s Middlesbrough take on Sheffield Wednesday at The Riverside Stadium.
These two sides met just over a month ago, it was a game which would see the end of both manager’s reign at their respective clubs come to an end, with Garry Monk losing his job with Middlesbrough and Carlos Carvalhal losing his job at Sheffield Wednesday.
Last Time Out
Middlesbrough won the game between the two sides last month thanks to goals from Johnny Howson and the winner from Ryan Shotton.
Wednesday took the lead midway through the first half thanks to a goal from Ross Wallace.
Boro won a penalty with 70 minutes played but Wednesday keeper Joe Wildsmith saved Grant Leadbitter’s penalty to keep the score at 1-0.
However, Sheffield Wednesday wouldn’t hold onto their lead much longer as Johnny Howson made the scores level with a shot from 25 yards out.
With just seven minutes left on the clock Boro took the lead for the first time in the game through Ryan Shotton.
The signing from Birmingham header in from 8 yards out and his header looped over the Wednesday keeper.
Form
Middlesbrough go into this game on the back of three home defeats under their new manager Tony Pulis, the Boro bosses record stands at three wins and three defeats in six games since taking over last month.
Sheffield Wednesday on the other hand are unbeaten under their new manager, they’ve won two games and drawn three games out of the five Jos Luhukay has managed.
Ahead of today’s game the new Sheffield Wednesday boss, Jos Luhukay old the Yorkshire Post:
“When I came in, I said the team did not have a lot of confidence. They gave a lot of goals away,”
“It was the first step in stability and I think now, after three weeks and four games, that we have more confidence and trust in each other.
“It is very positive. I think, with the mentality and character the players have shown, we have a base, so we must now make the next steps.
“This team is going in a good direction. It makes me happy to work with the squad and we hope for a better future.”
Team News
Middlesbrough will be hoping that Daniel Ayala is fit for today’s game as he went off with a knock against Brighton in the cup on Saturday.
Rudy Gestede will also be pushing for a start after he missed out on Saturday.
Adama Traore is expected to retain his place after his impressive recent form.
Sheffield Wednesday have no fresh injury concerns to add to their current injury table.
After two goals on Friday against Reading, Atdhe Nuhiu will be hoping he retains his place in the side.
Prediction
The game today is a big one for the home side and Tony Pulis.
After three straight defeats at home Pulis will be hoping he can pick up his first win of the season at home and make a play-off push.
For me I think Middlesbrough will just edge it against a very good defensive Sheffield Wednesday side.
Jake's Prediction: Middlesbrough 1 - 0 Sheffield Wednesday