Middlesbrough play host to Southampton in the Championship on Sunday as both sides look for a much-needed win.
Middlesbrough and Southampton are two former Premier League sides now battling for a return to the top flight. Championship table and Southampton finished in 14th place.
Both teams have already changed managers this season. Middlesbrough appointed Kim Hellberg in November and Southampton appointed Tonda Eckert in early December.
Eckert got off to a strong start as the Saints won his first two games. But Southampton are now winless after five games and start the year with a goalless draw at home to Millwall.
Hellberg has won four of his first eight games in charge and Boro are just one point behind Ipswich Town in second place, although they have lost three of their last four and are also winless in that period.
On New Year’s Day, Boro lost 1-0 away to Derby County. And the North East club don’t have a particularly strong record against Southampton either, with just one win since 2012 against the Saints, with the last two meetings being draws.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
Luke Phelps
“What was once a Premier League match is now a match between two sides who have had a very turbulent recent history. Although Southampton were last in the top flight, I’m really not convinced of their fortunes this season, while Hellberg came in like a bull’s-eye at Boro.”
“That said, he needs a win to correct this form error.
“At home against a failing Southampton team would be the perfect time to do that, but with no goals in the last four, confidence must be low. I think they will score well again here, but ultimately share the points.”
Prediction: Middlesbrough 1-1 Southampton
James Ray
“This is a tough game to call. We’ve seen Middlesbrough and Southampton capable of really impressive performances on their days, but neither have shown that of late.”
“Boro won in four, Saints won in five, it’s hard to pick a winner here. Ultimately I have more confidence in the Teesside squad and management as they try to get through this difficult period.
“Eckert’s strong caretaker job has covered the cracks at St. Mary’s – the problems there run much deeper, I fear, and that could keep them from making the surge for the playoffs they were hoping for.
“However, in the immediate future and in this match, there isn’t much to split the two. I wouldn’t be surprised if this ends in a draw, but I have a feeling Boro might be able to take it.”
Prediction: Middlesbrough 2-1 Southampton
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