At the start of the season not one person would have seen this as a potential relegation clash although at the moment, that’s exactly what it is. Despite investing vast amounts of money in the playing squad, Middlesbrough are still looking over their shoulder as they sit in 19th position. The visitors meanwhile have even bigger problems and having accumulated just twenty points so far, Preston sit right at the foot of the table, seven points from safety.
Middlesbrough’s season has been simply extraordinary and if there ever was an example of large transfer activity not solving problems, this is it. Boro’s multi-million pound squad simply haven’t gelled and after being tipped as clear favorites for the Championship, it now looks as though the Riverside outfit will have to be contempt with a mid-table position at the absolute best. For now though, the job is to get away from the relegation zone. Tony Mowbray’s men are currently four points away from the drop zone although if they can continue their recent good form, they should be able to extend that margin very quickly. Ignoring a shock 2-1 defeat to Burton in the Cup, Boro are now unbeaten in four and they approach this fixture having thrashed Bristol City 4-0 at Ashton Gate in their last game. That should give them a huge amount of confidence and if they can add to recent results, it may, considering the talent on their books, be possible to launch an ambitious playoff bid.
Some would say that Middlesbrough’s position is false considering some of their players, but Preston on the other hand are in all sorts of problems. Having taken over from Darren Ferguson a few weeks ago, Phil Brown has an almighty job on his hands as he aims to stop the rot and keep the Deepdale outfit in the division. Brown has overseen two games since taking charge and while he is yet to experience victory, he did see his side find tremendous spirit and grab a last minute equalizer against Leicester in their last outing. However, despite the extra point, the Lilywhites are still at the foot of the table and it’s going to take a tremendous run of results for them to stay in the division
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