Middlesbrough did not pass Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day at home. There was lost and as a result, manager Tony Pulis became even more under pressure. Ipswich Town also lost on Boxing Day. Queens Park Rangers was too strong in London. Which team will recover and win Saturday? A look ahead!
Middlesbrough:
Middlesbrough suffered a sensitive 0-1 home defeat against Sheffield Wednesday during Boxing Day. Middlesbrough has been completely out of shape in recent weeks. During the last eight games, only one was won. Because of these dramatic results, we find Boro back in fifth place with only two points more than number seven Birmingham City. Meanwhile, it becomes restless at the Riverside Stadium.
A large part of the supporters no longer have any confidence in manager Tony Pulis. Against Sheffield Wednesday he let Middlesbrough play in a 5-3-2 system. Where second striker Stewart Downing mainly acted as a midfielder. The manager is blamed for a defensive playing style. A number of reactions from supporters: “If Pulis could set up two keepers, he would do it.” Or this: “Park their own stadium for their own purpose if a lesser opponent comes to visit. Outrageous! “The question is how long Pulis of the club still has time to recover from this chaos. The trust of the players in the manager also seems as last Downing was excluded from the selection because he needed rest. Downing was not at all at rest and on closer inspection it turned out to be a reason to be able to include a defensive player in the selection. To be continued…
Ipswich Town:
Ipswich Town suffered a 3-0 defeat at Queens Park Rangers last match. This was a regular loss as Queens Park Rangers has simply better players than Ipswich Town. Whether next Saturday there will be an opportunity to win at Middlesbrough is doubtful. Ipswich Town is still in last place after twenty-four matches, but if there is a chance to get a result at Middlesbrough, this is next Saturday as Boro is hopelessly out of shape.
The trainer change has not yet produced the desired effect at Ipswich Town. In fact Paul Lambert does nothing better than his predecessor Paul Hurst. Making some small purchases or renting players in January with final responsibility, but whether these purchases have the desired effect immediately and can turn the tide is doubtful as such a process of fitting new players always takes time. Ipswich Town does not have time, as League One comes closer with seven points at 21st place every week.
PREDICTION: Middlesbrough to win @ 1.47
