Preview: Middlesbrough vs. Watford - prediction, team news, lineups

Middlesbrough play host to Watford on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that will secure eighth position in the Championship standings.

Meanwhile, the Hornets make the long trip to the Riverside Stadium aware that failure to prevail in the North East could see them drop to 16th place.

Match preview

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Michael Carrick will end this campaign with Middlesbrough having recorded their second successive top-10 finish under his management.

However, Boro can only be frustrated with their 2023-24 campaign, losing in the EFL Cup semi-finals from a winning position and never threatening for promotion.

The last 11 matches have been far more positive. Six wins and four draws have been posted, with their only defeat coming by a 4-3 scoreline at home to Leeds United.

That said, this is a Middlesbrough side that head into the final day of the season sitting six points adrift of the playoffs.

Middlesbrough's home form has been the issue. While they have conceded just 25 times in 22 fixtures at the Riverside Stadium, they have suffered nine defeats.

As for Watford, they are starting a new era under head coach Tom Cleverley, with the decision already made to hand the former midfielder the reins on a permanent basis.

That call was made even with the Hornets having won just once in his first seven games in the dugout, with a total of five draws against top-10 teams working in the ex-England international's favour.

Cleverley's stock rose last weekend as Watford posted a 1-0 victory over Sunderland at Vicarage Road, which was incredibly their first league win at home since November.

Although Watford can still finish anywhere between 12th and 16th, avoiding defeat is probably the priority for a team that will want to retain their momentum heading into next season.

Team News

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Carrick could go with the Middlesbrough side that ruthlessly defeated Cardiff City by a 4-1 scoreline last time out.

Alex Gilbert starred on his first Championship start of the campaign and should retain his place, while youngster Law McCabe, Charlie Lennon and Ajay Matthews are all in contention for further opportunities from the substitutes' bench.

Although Paddy McNair may come back into the fold after injury, Carrick could be content to avoid taking any risks.

Cleverley has no real reason to tinker with his Watford XI as he mixes a desire to win with handing out opportunities.

Jack Grieves made a first start at right wing-back last time out, but Ryan Andrews could return to take the 19-year-old's place.

Matheus Martins may also potentially get the nod over Emmanuel Dennis in the final third.

Middlesbrough possible starting lineup: Dieng; Ayling, Van den Berg, Clarke, Thomas; Howson, Barlaser; Jones, Gilbert, Azaz; Latte Lath

Watford possible starting lineup: Bachmann; Porteous, Hoedt, Pollock; Andrews, Kone, Kayembe, Sema; Asprilla, Dennis; Bayo

We say: Middlesbrough 1-1 Watford

While this has the potential to be a low-key affair, both managers will want to end on a high ahead of next season. Watford beat one North East side last weekend, but we feel a share of the spoils is most likely here.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.