A long time ago in a galaxy far far away...

Karanka is gone. After three years of work to get Middlesbrough into the Premier League, the dream turned sour once there. Steve 'Egghead' Agnew did such a poor job when taking temporary charge that he seems to have been erased from the face of the planet. 

A hero emerges. 5 years on from the demise of evil overlord Gordon Strachan, our supreme leader Steve Gibson has finally decided that he can trust ginger men again, and the result is Garry Monk, beloved in Swansea, an outlaw in Leeds.

Armed with treasures bequeathed by Gibson, Monk has wasted no time in spending it.He has assembled a gang of trusted fighters: a***st others, Britt Assombalonga, Martin Braithwaite and Cyrus Christie. With his other hand, Monk has been exiling those who seek to sabotage him. Gone are Bernardo Espinosa and Toni Barragan.

Monk leads his band of brothers to the cold, desolate uncultured land of Wolverhampton, where they face the first test on their quest to return back where they belong. But it won't be easy...

- HOW WILL BORO LINE UP?

- WILL THE SQUAD AT WOLVES BE THE SAME AT THE END OF THE TRANSFER WINDOW?

- WHAT WILL THE SCORE BE?

- WHERE IS STEVE AGNEW?

I understand your faith is shaken. I know that your (#)Belief may be waning. Villains have come into our domain and have pillaged us with staunch defence and tactical nous. 

You feel low, and that is understandable.

However, there is yet hope. You are despondent but not defeated. You are down, but not out out. 

I have been where you are.

But then, something changed.

https://preview.ibb.co/bQ6Ykd/pulis_comeback.jpg

I was introduced to 'Your Comeback'™, the path to a better future. Yes, by giving us your faith*, we can start your recovery RIGHT NOW. By listening to the words of the holy preacher** Tony Pulis, a man who has restored my faith, and can do the same for you.

I put my trust in him*** , and he delivered, and he WILL**** deliver for you as early as this Tuesday!

Purchase 'Your Comeback'™ today, and you will get a free***** CD, 'It's Not Too Late'™, in which you can hear the soothing sounds of Tony Pulis as he tells you that it's not too late to make things different, and he delivers on his promise of change******

'Your Comeback'™, and 'It's Not Too Late'™: A guarantee******* that better things are coming for you.

As ever with PulisCo products, don't take our word for it, but listen to our satisfied customers:

"'Your Comeback'™ changed my life. There was a time when I spent my afternoons booting long balls up to Paddy Bamford,  but look at me now! Booting long balls up to Britt Assombalonga" - Ben G, Nunthorpe

" Can't recommend 'Your Comeback'™ highly enough. I currently have one leg and yet I'm probably in with a shout of playing in the most important game of my team's season, all thanks to Tony" - Rudy G, Wynyard

"Utter rubbish, it's changed nowt" - Marvin J, Hurworth

"Not all that convinced. There were some questionable chapters in there, for example, Chapter 6 - 'Give it to Traore', which just says 'Give it to Traore' 46 times, and then ends" - Jonny H, Harrogate 

"Overrated. If you want a good book, read 'Striker', 'Sweeper' or 'Defender', a trilogy about football manager/crime solving civilian Steve Barnes. Now those books are a proper read. Whoever wrote those novels is the real genius" - Steve B, Birmingham

Please complete our customer survey below:

Do we change anything?

Who replaces Ayala if he's out?

Go all out for a goal from the off, or keep it tight & try to sneak one on the break?

Has the season been a disaster if we don't get into the final? 

* Plus £99.99 per month for 12 months

** Not an ordained preacher 

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****** PulisCo can not be held accountable if there are no changes

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From Rickypedia, the free encyclopedia 

Middlesbrough FC vs. Millwall (or Boro vs. Millwall) is an upcoming football match, starring Britt Assombalonga, Adam Clayton's Beard, Tim Elbow Cahill and A Playoff Spot. It is the sequel to the match Millwall versus Middlesbrough, which came out on the 16th December 2017. It finished Millwall 2 Middlesbrough 1.

Plot

How are your nerves?

Derby's Tuesday night win against Cardiff makes things interesting around the playoff spots, as it could be the latter who joins in the fight rather than high flying Fulham. Derby halted their decline with the win, and now things are incredibly tight to win 5th and 6th place in the league table.

Boro face Millwall at the Riverside this Saturday, after all the other games of the weekend have been played, meaning they could start 6th just a point ahead of 7th should Brentford and Derby win their games. However, a win for Pulis' boys against Millwall means automatic playoffs, and another chance to get to Wembley.

Cast

[*]Darren Randolph as Goalkeeper

[*]Ryan Shotton as Long Throw              

[*]Dani Ayala as Soon To Be Top Goalscorer

[*]Ben Gibson as Question of Sport

[*]George Friend as Superman

[*]Jonny Howson as Leadbitter of 14/15

[*]Adam Clayton as Glorious Beard

[*]Mo Besic as Passhun

[*]Adama Traore as Fastest Man In The World

[*]Stewart Downing as Typical Stewart Downing

[*]Britt Assombalonga as "Fat" Britt

The Millwall Squad all are played by the Millwall Bushwackers.

Soundtrack

     Main article: Middlesbrough (soundtrack)

[*]He's Here by Patrick Rid***

[*]Start Slow by Ricky Rude

[*]In Too Deep by Sum 41

[*]He's Gone by Grateful Dead

[*]New Messiah by Fear Factory

[*]Long Ball by Nikonem

[*]Wrong Decision by Geoff Eltringham (Cover Version)

[*]We're Going Up by Tim McMorris

[*]Wait by M83

[*]No We're Not Actually by Dads

[*]Biting Nails by Renegade Soundwave

[*]Here We Go Again by Isley Brothers

[*]Just One More by George Jones

Trivia

[*]Boro and Millwall have played each other 52 times in history, the first being in the FA Cup in 1904. Boro won the game 2-0. The FA Cup final was won by Man City who beat Bolton 1-0.

[*]Adama Traore has the joint most league assists in 2018 in the top 4 tiers of English football. His 8 assists is matched by Robert Snodgrass.

[*]Tony Pulis currently has his best win rate with any club managed at 50%. He had a 43% win rate with Gillingham and his lowest was 28.18% with Bournemouth.

[*]Millwall have failed to score in 41% of their away matches, in comparison to only failing to score in 18% of their home matches. Boro have scored in 68% of home matches, keeping a clean sheet in 45%.

Middlesbrough versus Millwall will be released at 17:30 on 28th April (coughJuninho9sbirthdaycough) at The Riverside Stadium.

Discussion Topics

What is your XI for the game?

Should Boro win this game, should we rest our main XI for Ipswich or continue our form with the same team?

Who is going up automatically with Wolves, Cardiff or Fulham?

First goalscorer and score predictions?

Other Games of Note

Hull City versus Cardiff City (Saturday 28th, 15:00)

Aston Villa versus Derby County (Saturday 28th, 15:00)

Barnsley versus Brentford (Saturday 28th, 15:00)

Sheffield United versus Preston North End (Saturday 28th, 15:00)

Nottingham Forest versus Bristol City (Saturday 28th, 15:00)

UTB

From Rickypedia, the free encyclopedia 

Derby County versus Middlesbrough FC (or Derby vs. Boro) is an upcoming football match, starring Dani Ayala, Johnny Howson, Curtis Davies and Bottles. It is the sequel to the match Middlesbrough versus Derby County, which came out on the 25th November 2017. It finished 3-0 to Derby County with a Vydra hattrick.

Plot

Things are heating up towards the end of the 17/18 Championship season, and 7 clubs are fighting it out for the last two playoff spots, with the other two all but taken. These 7 teams include: Middlesbrough, Derby County, Millwall, Preston, Sheffield United, Brentford and Bristol City.

The current Championship form table makes for interesting reading going into this battle, with Derby slowly slipping downwards and Boro making their way up. Could Derby bottle their playoff chances once again for the 24th time in a row? Can Boro pick up a run of form right when needed and secure their spot in the playoff semi finals? Millwall?!

Cast

• Darren Randolph as Goalkeeper
  
• Ryan Shotton as Long Throw              
  
• Dani Ayala as Soon To Be Top Goalscorer
  
• Ben Gibson as Centre Back
  
• George Friend as Marauding Left Back
  
• Jonny Howson as Centre Mid
  
• Adam Clayton as Glorious Beard
  
• Mo Besic as Lovesa Slide Tackle
  
• Adama Traore as Fastest Man In The World
  
• Stewart Downing as Typical Stewart Downing
  
• Britt Assombalonga as Patrick Bamford
  

The Derby Squad all play themselves.

Soundtrack

     Main article: Middlesbrough (soundtrack)

[*]He's Here by Patrick Rid***

[*]Start Slow by Ricky Rude

[*]In Too Deep by Sum 41

[*]He's Gone by Grateful Dead

[*]New Messiah by Fear Factory

[*]Long Ball by Nikonem

[*]Wrong Decision by Geoff Eltringham (Cover Version)

[*]We're Going Up by Tim McMorris

[*]Wait by M83

[*]No We're Not Actually by Dads

[*]Biting Nails by Renegade Soundwave

[*]Here We Go Again by Isley Brothers

A second fan-made Middlesbrough Soundtrack was released in the buildup to the previous game, created by HoyteForLeftBack and Snowblind.

• Better Do Better by HardFi
  
• Tell Me It's Not Over by Starsailor
  
• Some Old *** by MC Ren
  
• Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper
  
• No Tony by Mr. Oizo
  
• Attack by 30 Seconds To Mars
  

[*]

Trivia

• In the 143 productions between these two sides, Middlesbrough have won Best Win a number of 63 times, while Derby County have only won 49. A draw has happened 31 times between the two.
  
• The average time Derby have conceded the first goal is the 38th minute. The average time Boro have scored the first goal is the 38th minute. 
  
• Boro would be 11th in the table without the assists and goals of Adama Traore.
  
• Derby have only won 3 games in their last 15, picking up 16 points from an available 45.
  

[*]

Derby County versus Middlesbrough will be released at 15:00 on 21st April at Pride Park.

Discussion Topics

What is your XI for the game?

Should Adam Clayton keep his spot ahead of Grant Leadbitter? 

Will Adama Traore be here next season? Does it depend on which league Boro are in?

What is your favourite goal Boro have scored against Derby County?

Could our current trend of conceding early goals cost us the playoffs?

Other Games of Note

Millwall versus Fulham (Friday 20th, 19:45)

Birmingham versus Sheffield United (Saturday 21st, 15:00)

Brentford versus QPR (Saturday 21st, 15:00)

Bristol City versus Hull City (Saturday 21st, 15:00)

Preston versus Norwich (Saturday 21st, 15:00)

If all these games go our way, and Boro pick up a victory, Boro could be 4 points ahead of 7th with 2 games left.

From Rickypedia, the free encyclopedia 

Middlesbrough vs. Bristol City (or Boro vs. Robins) is an upcoming football match, starring Adama Traore, Patrick Bamford, Matt Taylor and Increasing Nerves About Playoffs. It is the sequel to the match Bristol City vs. Middlesbrough, which came out on the 2nd December 2017, a game that finished 2-1 to the hosts.

Plot

Getting towards the end of the season, Boro and Bristol City both find themselves within touching distance of the last playoff place in the Championship. They come together at the Riverside stadium, hoping to pull away from one another, while also hoping Millwall and Sheffield United both somehow get no points in their game at 13:00.

Cast

• Darren Randolph as Goalkeeper
  
• Ryan Shotton as Centre Back Right Back                
  
• Dani Ayala as Striker Centre Back
  
• Ben Gibson as Centre Back #2
  
• George Friend as Left Back
  
• Jonny Howson as Centre Mid
  
• Adam Clayton as Centre Mid #2
  
• Mo Besic as Yet Another Centre Mid (Centre Mid #3)
  
• Adama Traore as Only Attacking Outlet
  
• Stewart Downing as Should Be Another Attacking Outlet
  
• Patrick Bamford as Forward
  

The Robins Squad all play themselves.

Soundtrack

     Main article: Middlesbrough (soundtrack)

[*]He's Here by Patrick Rid***

[*]Start Slow by Ricky Rude

[*]In Too Deep by Sum 41

[*]He's Gone by Grateful Dead

[*]New Messiah by Fear Factory

[*]Long Ball by Nikonem

[*]Wrong Decision by Geoff Eltringham (Cover Version)

[*]We're Going Up by Tim McMorris

[*]Wait by M83

[*]No We're Not Actually by Dads

[*]Biting Nails by Renegade Soundwave

Trivia

• In the 76 productions between these two sides, Middlesbrough have won Best Win a number of 31 times, while Bristol City have only won 24. A draw, not good for either team in this case, has happened 21 times.
   
  
• The first ever production between Middlesbrough and Bristol City was in 1901. Bristol City 1-0 Middlesbrough in League Two.
   
  
• Bristol City have won the last 5 times these two teams have played.
  

[*]

Middlesbrough vs. Bristol City will be released at 15:00, Riverside on the 14th April.

Discussion Topics

What team would you put out for this game?

Do we need another game where we play with three central midfielders?

First goalscorer and score predictions?

Do you think Fabio and Britt may make a start?

Do you even want the playoffs at this rate?...

Our next game is already on tuesday night as we go to fellow play off contenders Sheffield United in the first of a number of "6 pointers". United lost their last game 2-3 away at Barnsley despite leading 2-1 with 25 minutes to go. United are in bad shape at the moment and have only won 1 game in 7 which was at home againt the mighty Burton 5 games ago. They are trailing Boro by 4 points so the onus is on them to attack us. That might free up some space for Traore, Downing, Howson and Bamford on the break which is likely the tactics Pulis will employ.

View from the other side: https://www.s24su.com/forum/index.php?threads/boro-tuesday.63283/

They seem a bit nervous about the game knowing that a loss or maybe even a draw could end their season. They know they are not in great form and their defence isn't getting much praise. If the players are thinking along those lines too I predict a very tactical game and probably only one goal in it. We really need to get at them and not let their confidence grow. They are in a bad shape and we need to rattle them from kick off.

I'd say the same lineup as the team that won against Forest. Possibly Clayton for Leadbitter depending on fitness.

Let's grab the first goal here and bring the three points home. A win will temporarily see us take 5th spot, at least until Derby are away at Wolves on Wednesday.

Games of significance:

Sheffield United - Boro

Bristol City - Birmingham (we could do with a favor from Monk here)

Preston - Leeds (PNE are almost out of it with them trailing by 6 points)

Forest - Brentford (Favor from AK thanks)

Bolton - Millwall (The Londoners are only one point adrift so we could de with a Wheater hattrick here, although Millwall are in great form so I expect them to win).

Anyway we move forward and with only 6 games to go a home game against a team with nothing to play for should be a welcome chance to bounce back after only 2 points in the last 3 games. We really need a win here to male sure we stay in the top-6 six, especially with some very tough games coming up in the final 5 games. 

One of the most interesting aspects of this game is the return of former Boro manager Aitor Karanka. Will he set up to frustrate us or will he see that we are actually there for the taking. I think he will have noticed that we don't really create much so he is going to have his team sit back and frustrate us. Forest don't score a lot of goals, in fact only 5 teams have scored less, so he will probably be happy with a 0-0 scoreline and I wouldn't be surprised if that is final score. 

Who deserves to be dropped after last match?

Do we go 4-4-2 like most of the Burton game, but leaving us with no strikers on the bench following Pulis' masterclass transferwindow?

The other side: http://www.forestforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=46776 Funny quote: Defeats for Pulis are usually victories for football. If he wasn't our manager I would completely agree.

Borodanes lineup:

Shotton-Ayala-Gibson-Friend

---------Howson-Besic---------

Traore-----------------Harrison

---------Bamford-Britt----------

Yes it's rather big shakeup at this point, but the three in the middle just isn't working. We are creating nothing and Downing on the wing is bordering useless. Pulis won't go with this though and we will likely see another stale performance with "give the ball to Adama" as our only tactics apart from Ayala booting it aimlessly up the field to no-one but the cars in the parking lot.

Scoreline: 0-0. Karanka stiffles our team and we fail to create much.

Next up along the emotional roller coaster is Burton Albion V Middlesbrough from The Pirelli Stadium, Monday 2nd April kick off 1500hrs (3pm if you prefer)

Current form Burton: LLDLLL     

Current form Boro: LDWWWD

Last game

Burton losing away at Cardiff 1-3 which is a familiar score as far as Cardiff are concerned

Boro losing at home to Champions elect Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2

Think it is fair to say that many members did not expect anything from the game and a draw would have been seen as a good result, what we did not imagine was just how bereft we are in attacking ideas when playing against 9 men for 16 minutes or so, but as we had chalked the game off in our pursuit of a top 6 spot then I guess in the grand scheme of things it did not really matter............or did it?

At this time we are still in the top 6 with others in and around us not ensuring that they took maximum points from their own games, save Millwall but boy oh boy just how tight it is and how many are sitting with 62 points or so, the biggest surprise and made our own result easier to swallow was Derby losing at home heavily to Sunderland and we very nearly went up a place had Derby not scored.

Significant games playing on Monday

Ipswich V Millwall (tbh I can see Millwall winning this due to Ipswich being in disarray)

PNE V Derby (live on Sky 1245hrs draw or home win preferable)

Sheffield Utd V Cardiff (live on Sky 1945hrs draw or away win preferable)

Bristol City V Brentford (away win or draw preferable)

So everything to play for when we take on a team deep in relegation trouble and with a current form that will see them achieve that feared status.

Talking points:

Will The Mackems be secret Boro fans on Monday hoping that we repay the Derby favour?

Does anyone now think Leadbitter and Clayton should be in the same team at the same time?

Is this game a "must win" or TMIGOTS.....so far?

Have our top 6 hopes now "gone for a burton"

Will we see more ideas other than Traore runs in attack?

Over to you guys :blush:

I know we're still mid-way through the international break, but I really don't care about that so here goes with the big one:

Details

Intro

I don’t know how others feel about this one but it feels like a big one. Only 8 games to go and we hold a playoff spot by a point but have a tricky (or fortunate depending on how you look at it) run in playing 4 other teams fighting for a playoff place as well as this one. A win here would give great momentum at the start of a run of 15 days where we play 5 games. We go into the game in the best patch of league form we’ve had all season being unbeaten in the last 6. Wolves are just coming out of their worst form of the year and have won their last 2 games.

Last Game

Seems like forever ago now but we came away with a point from tricky to visit Brentford. Traore once again proving that he has found an end product to his skill and pace.

Wolves had a visit of Burton Albion and dominated the game in a comfortable 3-1 win, with Benike Afobe scoring 2.

History

93 times we’ve met Wolves before coming out on top 45 times and losing just 28 games.

He looks familiar

As far as I can see the only wolves player that we’d know is Carl Ikeme, but having being diagnosed with leukaemia he hasn’t played this season.

Team News

Injured/Suspended

Boro – Gestede out for the year, Fabio & possibly Ayala

Wolves – Just Ikeme (get well soon!)

Ones to Watch

Wolves – Benik Afobe

Could have been any of several, Diogo Jota, Bonantini, Cavaleiro but since his return in January Afobe has started twice and scored 3 goals which seems to have pulled Wolves out of the purple patch they were in and has steadied their ship which looks likely to cruise to the title as well as promotion

Boro – BAT

Forget the SAS (Sutton & Shearer) or the RAF (Rush & Fowler) – I fear I may be showing my age now – but Boro now have the BAT (ok – I admit it’s not quite as catchy) but Bamford and Traore have between them got Boro’s failing season somewhere near back on track, and if they stay fit and in form Boro will not be a side any of our rivals will relish playing.

View From the Other side

https://www.molineuxmix.co.uk/index.php?threads/201702/

Predictions

My predicted lineup: Randolph, Shotton, Ayala, Gibson, Friend, Clayton, Besic, Howson, Downing, Traore, Bamford

My predicted score: 1-1

Talking Points

Both teams spent big in Summer – before the season started (be honest!) whose squad would you have preferred to have?

Which squad would you rather have now?

How many points out of the 24 available do we need to secure a playoff spot?

As we get to the sharp end of the season should Neil Grainger do another video?

Who would win in a fight between a wolf and a lion?

UTB!

Introduction

Boro visit the Bees on St Patricks day to be sure (or as Boro fans know it: St Bamford’s day).

May the luck o’ the Irish be with you Boro!

The Last Games

Boro:

Boro 3 – 1 Barnsley

Bamford continued his scoring run and Traore turned some more defenders inside-out. Boro looked like they had an easy game on their hands first half, but the Barnsleys came out fighting after half time. Boro were penned back into their own half for much of the 45 and were lucky not to conceded a second.

Brentford:

Millwall 1 – 0 Brentford

Like Barnsley, Brentford conceded a goal in the first minute this weekend. The bees attempted a comeback, with a disallowed goal, a Canos shot hitting the post and an Egan header rattling the crossbar, but ultimately they couldn’t bring down the Lions.

Availability/Injury News

Boro:

- Rudy Gestede will be out for the season.

- Hopefully Mo Besic will be back for this game after suffering a hamstring problem since the Birmingham game.

Brentford:

- Rico Henry will be out for the season after suffering a significant injury to his knee in September

Form (League only - most recent last)

Boro: LWDWWW (we’re really sucking diesel now)

Brentford: DWWLWL

The View From The Other Side

See here: http://www.griffinpark.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=39&s=c3166c1078e28be3d69d7ed019252600

The Un(ger)-Official Match Preview

Boro will be looking for a repeat of the scoreline from 2015, when Middlesbrough beat Brentford 2-1 at Griffin park in the first leg of the play offs. Fernando Amorebieta (remember him?) scored in the 93rd minute that day. Will there be any late drama this time?

Bamford will also be hoping for a repeat of 2015. St Patick’s day 2015 was the date Bamford scored the winning goal against promotion rivals Derby County. The win fired Boro up into the top two.

The omens are good! Boro to win 2-1. Bamford and Downing to score.

My predicted team:

Randolph

Shotton Ayala Gibson Friend

Howson Clayton Besic

Traore Bamford Downing

Talking Points

- Will it be Paddy’s day?

- Is there a pot of goals at the end of the rainbow?

- What's the craic?

Introduction

Boro are playing Barnsley on saturday. That is what this thread is about.

The Last Games

Boro:

Birmingham 0 – 1 Boro

Pulis’ boys kept me in a job on Tuesday night by beating Garry Monk’s freshly inherited Leaky Blinders. Patrick Bamford kept up his scintillating form with another goal and Adama Traore just kept on runnin'.

Barnsley:

Cardiff City 2 - 1 Barnsley

A consolation goal by Oli McBurnie was all the reward Barnsley got for a strong comeback against the welsh team.

Availability/Injury News

Boro:

- Rudy Gestede will be out for the season.

- Grant Leadbitter missed the game against Birmingham after suffering a hamstring problem.

- Traore suffered a slight knock during the Birmingham game, but should be OK for this one.

Barnsley:

- No injuries that I can find

Form (League only - most recent last)

Boro: WLWDWW

Barnsley: LDLWDL

The View From The Other Side

Will be findable here: http://boards.footymad.net/forumdisplay.php?f=2442

The Un(ger)-Official Match Preview

With Boro’s form chart starting to look a bit more green, and the tykes only having one win (against Birmingham) in their last 6. We should be aiming to win this one before a tough game against Wolves the following week.

I predict a 2-0 win. Bamford and Traore to score.

My predicted team:

Randolph

Shotton Ayala Gibson Friend

Howson Clayton Besic

Traore Bamford Downing

Talking Points

- Surely Paddy can’t score again… can he?!

- Will Barnsley get relegated this season, or continue to cement their place as the team who has spent more time in the second division of English football more than any other? (cheers wiki)

Introduction

After a bitterly cold few days, Boro will attempt to make the perilous trip across country with gritted teeth (and hopefully roads) for the crucial game against Birmingham.

The Last Games

Boro:

Boro 3 – 0 Leeds

The Beast from the East (of Spain), Adama Traore wreaked havoc on the Leeds team, cutting through their defence like p**s through snow. Along with the rest of the Boro frontline, he smashed through Leeds’ defence time and time again. Patrick Bamford scored a flurry of goals leaving the opposition looking a little more than windswept.

Birmingham:

Nottingham Forest 2 - 1 Birmingham

Aitor Karanka enjoyed a victory in one of the few championship games not to be postponed this weekend. Birmingham scored a late consolation goal through Michael Morrison.

Availability/Injury News

Boro:

- Rudy Gestede will be out for the season.

- Grant Leadbitter was taken off in the first half of the Leeds game after struggling with his hamstring.

Birmingham:

- Isaac Vassell suffered a serious injury in October 2017 and remains sidelined.

Form (League only - most recent last)

Boro: LWLWDW

Birmingham: WLLLLL

The View From The Other Side

Presumably a match day thread will appear on here when they’ve finished jabbering on about the Nottingham game:

http://bcfcforum.co.uk/forum/52887/

The Un(ger)-Official Match Preview

With an extra day to rest, recuperate and thaw out, Boro will storm up the league table with another whirlwind performance. 4 - 0 to Boro with Bamford scoring 2, Traore 1 and Ayala 1.

My predicted team:

Randolph

Shotton Ayala Gibson Friend

Howson Clayton Besic

Traore Bamford Downing

Talking Points

- How many goals will Paddy score this time?

- Who would win in a race out of Adama and a Bugatti Veyron?

- Where will you be the day after the day after tomorrow?

Starring:

Patrick Bamford as ‘Eleven’

Tony Pulis as ‘the Hopper’

Neil Bausor as ‘Nancy Wheeler-Deeler’

and Adama Traore as 'D’Artagnan' (Credit only)

Introduction

A strange government facility has been discovered in West Yorkshire. Unfortunately a large number of test subjects have escaped from this secret establishment and taken up residence in and around Leeds. The matter is further complicated by the fact that these freaks of nature cannot be distinguished from the locals...

The Last Games

Boro:

Sunderland 3 – 3 Boro

“The game that had everything”, except a happy ending... Eleven is finally looking like his old self since Tony Pulis agreed to let him exclusively eat eggos before games. After being lost in the wilderness for what felt like forever, his almost psychic ability to finish clinically has returned.

Leeds:

Leeds 1 – 0 Brentford

The mouthbreathers got one over on the London team with a Liam Cooper goal in the 31st minute. Leeds recorded their first win under this week’s manager Paul Heckingbottom. 

Availability/Injury News

Boro:

- Rudy Gestede was attacked by a Demagorgon reaching up from the upside down to snap his ankle at the end of the Sunderland game. He will be out for the rest of the season.

Leeds:

- Pablo Hernandez was forced to miss the Brentford game with a muscle injury.

- Leeds may be Roofe-less after Kemar Roofe also had to sit out of the Brentford game with a muscle injury.

Form (League only - most recent last)

Boro: DLWLWD

Leeds: DLLDDW

The View From The Other Side

- “uarhghgh Boro’s a s***hole meart”

- The actual view from the other side should be here soon: http://www.motforum.com/phpbb/viewforum.php?f=1

The Un(ger)-Official Match Preview

“The upside down might seem like hell, but that’s only because you haven’t been to Leeds yet”, the Head scientist said, trying to reassure Will...

With marginally better form over the last 6 games, I expect Middlesbrough to claim a tight victory here. 1-0 Boro with Eleven scoring the goal.

Talking Points

- Can Eleven use his supernatural connection with the ball to save the day?

- Will Boro miss the D’Art?

Presents

Sunderland vs BORO

Kick Off - 3pm

The Stadium of Light

24th Fenruary 2018

Intro

My last run of Matchday Threads began with a 3-1 win over Hull and was followed up with a 1-0 win over Sunderland.. Fate? Coincidence? Who cares let's just hope it happens again.

Last Game

BORO 3-1 Hull City

Ok ok I'd have dropped Gestede and Bamford wouldn't have started.. That's why I'm not a football manager. Same again please.

Bolton 1-0 Sunderland

Things really aren't looking good for Sunderland, sinking fast and are supposedly worse at home than they are away.. Has to be a banker doesn't it?!

One to watch.

Umm.. Mcgeady? Best I could do..

Beard Watch

Jonny Williams has impressive facial fuzz despite it being ginger.

The tip of the Beard

Sunderland 14/5

Draw 23/10

Middlesbrough 1/1

Surely there's only one winner here, even though it's a derby your money has to be safe on an away win right?

My BeardyBet for this game is 5/1 For a 1-0 Boro win..

Pre Match Questions?

What has gone so horribly wrong for the Mackems?

Do we care?

Any changes? Or stick with the winning formula?

Formation?

Prediction

2-0 Boro. Bamford double. COME ON BORO!!

Presents

BORO vs Hull City

Kick Off - 7.45pm

The Riverside Stadium

20th February 2018

Intro

Whatever lingering optimism is remaining a***st fans is quickly diminishing after another non-performance in the Welsh capital. My own glass is certainly on the empty side but saying that we'll probably win this 4-0 just to further confuse everyone.

Last Game

Cardiff 1-0 BORO

I still don't really want to talk about this, my boys first ever Boro match and he had to endure that dross. At least it sets him up for the lifetime of disappointment that comes with being a Boro fan.

Chelsea 4-0 Hull City

Hull weren't in league action thus weekend but got spanked at Stamford Bridge. Don't think that will have any impact on their preparations for this match.

One to watch.

Kamil Grosicki. Not been following Hull much to be honest so no idea if he has even been playing but on his day he is one of the best players in the division (in my opinion)

Beard Watch

Jon Toral is the winner here.. Fantastic beard.

The tip of the Beard

Boro 8/11

Draw 5/2

Hull 4/1

Either the bookies haven't been watching us recently or Hull are really that bad. Sky bet have us as clear favourites.. Hope they are right

Pre Match Questions?

Is the promotion push over for this season? (Obviously not mathematically but realistically)

What changes do we make for this?

Besic and Harrison to start?

Score prediction..

I'm going to plump for a bold 0-0..and that's me trying to be optimistic.

Sat 17th Feb 3.00 kick off. 

Well here we are again and this time its Cardiff away, currently 10 points ahead of us in the table coming off the back of a 2-0 win over Bolton.

I'm sure a lot of us have some fond memories of Cardiff and would certainly like to keep up the trend - will the pawn stars glitter and shine in the welsh sunshine or leave the fans high and dry?

Will Pullis change anything? 

Will we see any of the new signings make an appearance? 

Our tormentor Neil Warnock once again has a chance to put one over us, a constant thorn in our side he always finds ways to beat us (I wanted him instead of Monk but people "don't like him" which is a shame because everyone we seem to employ everyone starts to hate at some point, so just get someone who we hate but can do the job)........alas that ship has sailed and now the Pullis revolution is under way - does he have the nous to get one over Warnock?

Adamah Trore didn't just paper over the cracks he completely blind sided everyone as to how blunt we were in attack  by the joy of seeing the lad finally looking like what we all hoped he would.

Cardiff equally had a Traore on the score sheet  and will be hoping to repeat their last win.

Heres a few interesting facts about Cardiff;-

They started out as a cricket team, they wanted to stay fit and keep the team together over the winter months so formed a football team.

Bill Shankly's first defeat as Liverpool boss was against Cardiff.

They haven't always played in blue - up till 2012 they played in a lovely brown and orange kit.

Legendary Cardiff player Robin Friday pooped in Mark Lawrensons kit bag after being sent off for kicking him in the face.

Possible team ;-

Randolph

Shotton Ayala  Gibson Freind

Traore Besic Howson Downing

Donkey    Donkey

Is there any point in saying we really need something from this game?

UTB!!

Riverside stadium - 3pm

Ramsdens Pawn Stars v Reading

The Tony Pullis revolution is well under way and oh how our boys have reacted.

Our freshly trimmed squad are buffed up and ready to go up against the royals.

Since taking over Pullis has tightened the defence - no goals conceded, he has sharpened the attack to the tune of 17 goals in 6 games and we are now more entertaining than a Only fools and horses re-run.

If only...........................

So we are still leaking goals, still losing matches, not scoring enough and as exiting as swine flu - if anyone is still reading then you are way more interested than I am this season.

The home fans need - no - deserve a win, the team needs a win - will we get it?

What will the first 11 be? Do you even care anymore?

Feel free to post your Pawn stars starting 11,

debate on how we are going to go in with high expectations and will we be rewarded for our continuing support and optimism?

Opposing fans veiw - http://hobnob.royals.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=1&sid=bd8cedddc50ea412e1abacb0e11f0160

Personally I hope we get a 2-0 but if it were the opposite I'd hardly fall off my stool.

UTB.

"Yo, Rudy!"

"Wanna play a game?"

"I don't like games :dodgy: "

"You'll like this one!"

"Is it ANOTHER stupid target practice game?"

"No! In fact it's just the opposite, it's...DRAWING BLANKS!!!"

https://i.imgur.com/KkC7q0R.jpg

Yes, Drawing Blanks!™, the new game from PulisCo that is sweeping the Teesside area. It's fun for almost nobody, and the prize is nothing, but is it popular? You bet it is!

Up to 11 can play at a time!*, and it's a race against the clock to do as little as possible in 90 minutes to score!

Let's hear from some satisfied customers:

"I've discovered that if you spend as much time away from the target as possible, Drawing Blanks!™ is a doddle!" - Patrick B, Yarm

"Watching people play Drawing Blanks!™ is almost as much fun as playing yourself!" - Lewis B, Hurworth

"Not really a fan, to be honest, I don't think I'll be playing anymore" - Martin B, Bordeaux

"I'm pretty sure this is a rip off of my idea. You'll be hearing from my lawyers" - Aitor K, Nottingham

So, next time your friends appear to be having too much fun, get them Drawing Blanks!™

Please complete our customer survey below:

Do we change anything?

Do any new signings go straight in? 

Britt or Rudy?

What now for Baker?

Are there any really obvious puns I've missed? 

*Only a maximum of 2 can access the box at any one time  

Boro come into this one on the back of a last minute defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup, viewed by some as a blessing in disguise due to the fact there's no replay, but ultimately it's a loss in a game we could have won. So we're back to the job at hand, trying to gain promotion to the top table - Top 2 is probably out of our hands so looks like it's playoffs or bust for Boro. However Pulis' men are yet to find any consistent form and the Riverside is not the fortress it has been in the past....

Sheff Wed beat Reading 3-1 on Friday to advance to the 5th round of the Cup, with Nuhiu bagging himself a brace before George Boyd put the finishing touches to the result. The Owls' league form is more of a cause for concern however, with them currently languishing in 17th in the table and having only won 2 games since the start of November. Gary Hooper is their main danger man with 11 goals this term, and ex-Boro duo Jordan Rhodes and Adam Reach have both hit the back of the net a few times this season....

The Line-Up

I think if Ayala is fit, he plays, but at the time of writing I don't know if he was taken off yesterday as a precaution or because of a fully fledged injury. I also think it's between Gestede and Assombalonga up front but I've opted for Rudy as he's a bigger target for Traore to hit. The rest of the team pretty much picks itself.

As a side note, we blatantly need an natural left winger. I feel Braithwaite/Bamford/Fletcher have all tried and failed out there as it isn't their natural position....

From Rickypedia, the free encyclopedia 

Middlesbrough vs. Brighton and Hove Albion (or Boro vs. Albion) is an upcoming football match, starring Adama Traore, George Friend, Pascal Gross and the main villain from the previous instalment, Dale Stephens. Boro vs. Albion is a spin off 'FA Cup' game, and is not in the 'Championship' canon. It is a remake of the 2016 blockbuster Boro vs. Brighton, which finished 1-1, and propelled Boro into the Premier League franchise.

Plot

Travelling back home after an impressive and comfortable win against QPR, The Boro go home and prepare themselves for the return of Brighton and Hove Albion to the Riverside.

Last time out, the film was hailed as a major success, with critics citing the storyline, performances, Ramirez Stephens subplot and the ending as the best moments. Two years later though, Brighton are now in the Premier League while Boro are in the Championship.

Brighton had a great start to life in the Premier League, but just 1 win in the last 12 makes cause for concern, and the FA Cup could be a great path for them for some success this season.

Middlesbrough beat Sunderland 2-0, while Brighton beat Crystal Palace 2-1, to create this project in the 4th round.

Cast

• Darren Randolph as Goalkeeper
   
  
• Ryan Shotton as Right Back                
   
  
• Dani Ayala as Centre Back
   
  
• Ben Gibson as Centre Back #2
   
  
• George Friend as Left Back
   
  
• Jonny Howson as Centre Mid
   
  
• Grant Leadbitter as Centre Mid #2
   
  
• Patrick Bamford as Attacking Right Mid
   
  
• Stewart Downing as Attacking Central Mid
   
  
• Adama Traore as Attacking Left Mid
   
  
• Britt Assombalonga as Forward
  

The Brighton Squad all play themselves.

Accolades

Championship Goal Of The Week      George Friend     vs. QPR      WON

Championship Team Of The Week    George Friend      vs. QPR     Nominated

Championship Team Of The Week    Adama Traore      vs. QPR     Nominated

FIFA FUT Team Of The Week           George Friend     vs. QPR      Pending

Trivia

• In the 46 Productions of Boro vs. Brighton (and Brighton vs. Boro), Brighton have only tasted success on 9 occassions, with Boro winning 24 times.
   
  
• The first ever game between the two was in the FA Cup, and ended 1-1. The replay also ended 1-1. The second replay ended 3-1 to Middlesbrough. It is rumoured extra-time was created because of these two.
   
  
• Brighton have only scored 5 goals away from home all season, and haven't scored on the road since the 4th November. They have only won 2 away games all season.
  

Middlesbrough vs. Brighton and Hove Albion will be released on the 27th January at 15:00. The film takes place at the Riverside Stadium.

Discussion Topics

Would you put a full strength squad out for this FA Cup spinoff?

Will Adama Traore ever score again?

First goalscorer and score predictions?

Tune in this Saturday to find out...

From Rickypedia, the free encyclopedia 

Queens Park Rangers vs. Middlesbrough (or QPR vs. Boro) is an upcoming football match, starring Ben Gibson, Stewart Downing, Alex Smithies and Matt Smith. It is the sequel to the match Middlesbrough vs. Queens Park Rangers, which came out on the 16th December 2017, a game that finished 3-2 to the hosts. There is a new director in the Middlesbrough seat, with Tony Pulis in charge of this one and Garry Monk relieved of his duties. His final production Sheffield Wednesday vs. Middlesbrough, did well at the points office but failed to charm the critics.

Plot

Hot off the heels of a defeat at the hands of Fulham, the Middlesbrough team travel down to the Capital to play Ian Holloway's QPR.

Reeling from a dubious decision that went against their team, Tony Pulis wants to make things right, by getting back to winning ways as soon as possible. Queens Park Rangers though are no pushovers, and have themselves got back to winning ways with victories over Cardiff and Burton Albion. Six of their eight victories this season have come at home.

Fans were eager to see if there would be another cameo made by Adam Clayton, and hope Marvin Johnson has been left on the cutting room floor.

Cast

• Darren Randolph as Goalkeeper
  
• Ryan Shotton as Right Back                
  
• Dani Ayala as Centre Back
  
• Ben Gibson as Centre Back #2
  
• George Friend as Left Back
  
• Jonny Howson as Centre Mid
  
• Grant Leadbitter as Centre Mid #2
  
• Adama Traore as Attacking Right Mid
  
• Martin Braithwaite as Attacking Central Mid
  
• Stewart Downing as Attacking Left Mid
  
• Britt Assombalonga as Forward
  

Rudy Gestede pitch-tested for the role of Forward, but his role was cut to Substitute... possibly.

The QPR Squad all play themselves.

Soundtrack

     Main article: Middlesbrough (soundtrack)

1. He's Here by Patrick Rid***
   
2. Start Slow by Ricky Rude
   
3. In Too Deep by Sum 41
   
4. He's Gone by Grateful Dead
   
5. New Messiah by Fear Factory
   
6. Long Ball by Nikonem
   
7. Wrong Decision by Geoff Eltringham (Cover Version)
   

Trivia

• In the 48 productions between these two sides, Middlesbrough have won Best Win a number of 16 times, but have been ousted just by QPR who have 17 wins in the category. This is the chance for Boro to even things up.
  
• Coincidentally, the first ever game between the two (a black and white 1913 release) ended 3-2 to Boro, the same score as it ended earlier this year, and also in 2016 at the same ground.
  
• Adama Traore has the longest streak of Most Dribble wins but nothing coming fruitful in the Box Office.
  
• QPR have scored the majority of their goals (35.5%) in the last 15 minutes of play. A fact Boro will need to be careful of given how they have collapsed recently in the final third act.
   
  

Queens Park Rangers vs. Middlesbrough will be released on the 20th January at 15:00. The film takes place at Loftus Road, London.

Discussion Topics

What team would you put out for this game?

When was the last time Boro won a game with a dubious decision?

First goalscorer and score predictions?

Can Boro replicate the Golden Era of the 15/16 Season with Tony Pulis in the director's seat?

Have we seen the end of Best Beard winner Adam Clayton?

Previous outings:

Boro progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup by comfortably beating poor old Sunderland 2-0 at the Riverside. Pulis put out a strong team and the game was effectively over after the first half following goals from Gestede and Braithwaite. 

Fulham on the other hand went down 0-1 at home to Southampton and are out of the cup. They will likely want to get back to winning ways asap.

Old faces: Ryan Fredericks and Tomas Kalas return to the Riverside again having previously played for the club under Aitor Karanka. Do we have any old Fulham players?

Borodanes predicted team:

-----------Randolph------------

Shotton-Ayala-Gibson-Friend

------Leadbitter-Howons------

Traore-Downing-Braithwaite

-----------Gestede-------------

I think Pulis will choose Shotton at RB to combat Fulham young winger Sessegnon who seems to always cause trouble and actually assisted their goal at Craven Cottage against us. In attack I think Gestede will be asked to lead the line following his well taken goal against Sunderland and Britt looking like he needs a rest at the moment. It will then be up to Traore, Howson, Downing and Braithwaite to supply enough amunition for the big man. Braithwaite to get into the box every time Downing and Traore get anywhere near the box. 

My prediction is another 2-0 win with goals from Gestede and Downing.

The game is live on TV in Denmark, and likely other oversees countries too, so there should be plenty of streams available.

View from the other end: http://www.cottagecorner.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=7126 They seem very confident. Not a single loss predicted.

Talking points:

Who are Fulhams danger men?

Gestede or Britt?

In the last outing Boro turned on the style in the secon half against PNE to come back from an abysmal first half and win the game 3-2. New gaffer Tony Pulis made a few changes for that game by bringing in Guediora, Christie and dropping Braithwaite completely from the squad. Sunderland succumbed to a disappointing 0-1 loss at home to Barnsley and still find themselves firmly in the relegation mire. 

I think Tony Pulis is going to use this game to see a few other players, and I wouldn't be surprised to see any of Fry, Forshaw, Baker, Fletcher, Bamford and Braithwite start. Clayton I have no idea about, but if he's fit and not going anywhere he should get some minutes.

Borodanes lineup:

-------Randolph--------

Shotton-Gibson-Fry-Friend

-------Baker-Leadbitter/Clayton-------

Traore-----Braithwaite--Fletcher

----------Bamford------------

If Clayton isn't in contention it will be Leadbitter to add a bit of bite to the midfield. I reckon Downing and Britt will be rested and Bamford, Braithwaite and Fletcher will be given their chances. Could also be Rudy for either Bamford og Braithwaite.

We should win this game if the league positions are anything to go by, so here is hoping for a 2-0 win and a chance for me to get 3 consecutive matchday threads.

I don't think they have a matchday thread yet, but will see if one pops up during the week.

Talking points:

What changes to expect?

Do we want to go all in for the FA Cup?

Can we expect the team to start the game with the desire shown in the second half at Preston?

Crowd numbers?