Preston North End will be looking to enter the playoff positions when they host Middlesbrough. Middlesbrough just fell to 12th place in the standings. They are four points behind their next opponents. The home team is currently in 10th place.
Preview (Preston North End vs. Middlesbrough)
Despite Middlesbrough’s patchy performance this season, the prospect of three straight games at Riverside Stadium presented an opportunity to re-enter the promotion race. The team lost all three of those games against Rotherham United, Sunderland, and Bristol City. Boro, who made it to the EFL Cup semi-finals thanks to a fortunate path, have struggled this season. On Saturday, they lost 2-1 to Bristol City after drawing with Rotherham and Sunderland.
After only four wins in 12 league games, Boro’s fans are not in a good mood. The team fell behind 2-0 after 17 minutes and eventually equalized in stoppage time. In the short and long terms, they need to win if they want to regain their position. That’s the reaction Ryan Lowe has received from his Preston team. They have defeated Cardiff City and Ipswich Town in consecutive games. Preston have dropped to mid-table positions after winning just three of their previous thirteen games in the second tier, but there is new hope at Deepdale.
They had not won consecutive games since November 10 and currently trail fifth-place West Bromwich Albion by just four points ahead of their next two home games. He will support his team to win this match. Their lone loss in five games came from a dramatic 2-1 setback at Leeds United.
Team News
If there are no health concerns, Lowe is anticipated to select the Preston lineup that defeated Cardiff convincingly. In the final seventeen minutes, Lowe made good use of his five replacements. Right now, the only two players out due to injury are Kian Best and Duane Holmes. Carrick, on the other hand, is anticipated to make several changes, with Luke Thomas and Riley McGree expected to get opportunities both in the final third and at left-back.
Josh Coburn is expected to be sidelined once more due to a groin injury, which means Sam Greenwood might keep his offensive starting position. Six other players are also expected to be out, including Matt Crooks, who recently completed a transfer to Real Salt Lake. Preston are the clear favorites to win this match on home soil because of the momentum on their side. But we’re supporting Carrick’s team to respond for Boro, even if it means a tie. They’re in a situation where they need a response.
Preston North End 1-1 Middlesbrough
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