Match Pack: Middlesbrough v Watford

• Middlesbrough v Watford
• Sky Bet Championship
• Riverside Stadium
• Saturday May 4, 12.30pm KO
• Light blue third kit

• Referee: James Bell
• Assistant Referees: Ian Cooper and Robert Hyde
• Fourth Official: Ben Toner

Although there may be some disappointment surrounding Middlesbrough's season, good form in recent weeks has provided an air of positivity going into the summer.

After Michael Carrick's first full season in charge, Boro's highest possible finish is eighth, having made the play-offs last season.

Despite this, there is a feeling that the challenges faced this season, including a long injury list, mean Carrick and the squad have moved forward, despite not finding as much success on the pitch.

Moreover, a recent run of six wins and just one defeat in their last 11 games has given fans hope that the foundations have been laid for a successful 2024/25 season.

Their sole loss in this period came in a seven-goal thriller against promotion-chasing Leeds United, with the side picking up a win over champions Leicester City, as well as draws with Ipswich Town and Southampton during this time.

Watford have lost their last two league games against Middlesbrough – before this, the Hornets went unbeaten in 10 consecutive matches against them (W6 D4).

Since Tom Cleverley’s first league game in charge of Watford (March 16 v Birmingham), no side in the Championship has kept more clean sheets (5) or lost fewer games (1) than the Hornets.

Middlesbrough like leaving it late, scoring more goals between the 76th and 90th minute (16) than any other 15-minute period. They are most vulnerable in the 15-minute period before half-time, conceding 15 of their 61 goals between the 31st and 45th minute.

Click HERE for a full statistical breakdown.

Watford will be missing several players for this final-day clash.

Ahead of the Euros this summer, Ryan Porteous has been given some extra time to prepare, whilst Giorgi Chakvetadze is not risked due to a slight groin issue; neither have travelled.

Emmanuel Dennis picked up a knee issue last weekend and will be absent, along with Tom Dele-Bashiru, whose fitness is also being managed. As a result, several Academy products will feature in the squad.

For Middlesbrough, Dael Fry and Josh Coburn could feature after returning to training. However, it seems the game has come too soon for Hayden Hackney and Paddy McNair.

Tom Cleverley, Watford Head Coach:

Middlesbrough’s a team that I really respect. I think they will be in the mix next season with the good balance of talent and experience they have, so it will be good to lay one last marker down against a team I think will challenge.

It’s not an easy one for the fans, the 12.30pm kick-off. The players are in good spirits. I’ve not once had to squeeze them for enthusiasm since I’ve been in the job, and at this stage of the season that’s healthy.

Michael Carrick, Middlesbrough Head Coach:

Ideally, we hope we can finish well and take that into next season. I’ve spoken a lot about the ups and downs we’ve had through the season, so to be six points or so off the play-offs isn’t bad.

It’s not enough and we wanted more. But at the same point, it shows we’ve actually come a long way with this group, with the amount of changes that we made with players coming in last summer and doing well. There’s a lot to build on for sure and take into next season.

Overall:

Won: 18
Drawn: 9
Lost: 16

Last Six:

September 2023: Watford 2-3 Middlesbrough (Championship)
January 2023: Middlesbrough 2-0 Watford (Championship)
August 2022: Watford 2-1 Middlesbrough (Championship)
April 2021: Middlesbrough 1-1 Watford (Championship)
September 2020: Watford 1-0 Middlesbrough (Championship)
January 2017: Watford 0-0 Middlesbrough (Premier League)

The Hornets' last win at the Riverside came back in October 2016, when a stunning second-half strike from José Holebas was enough to secure all three points for Watford in the Premier League.