Middlesbrough will be looking to send out a stark reminder to the Championship this Wednesday when they meet with Barnsley at the Riverside Stadium in the first round of League Cup action.
It’s the first domestic cup week of the Football League season in 2022/23 this midweek, and it comes with League One, League Two and the Championship clubs all eager to make it into the second round and put some pieces of the form puzzle in order.
Our report from Loftus Road— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) August 6, 2022
Our report from Loftus Road
For Boro, it’s a chance to finally get a win after two underwhelming performances in the Championship that leaves them scrambling around for some form and pretty desperate for a win.
Chris Wilder has been tipped to finish in the playoffs with the North East club, but given his experience, a lot more should be expected than just a top six finish.
The club kicked things off with a draw at home to West Bromwich Albion on the opening day of the season.
The game ended 1-1 after a goal from Isaiah Jones after 10 minutes ended up being enough to secure a point. West Brom equalised in the second half, but it was a game dominated by Boro.
In fact, they saw 62% of the ball, had 16 shots compared to the eight of the Baggies. On the other hand, the accuracy in which they delivered their attacking intent was poor, with only two shots going on target throughout the game.
Wilder’s men then travelled to London to meet with Queens Park Rangers and it was another very underwhelming performance for a side who are meant to be competing for the playoff ranks this campaign.
The club’s customary ball possession-esque play was still in order with 60% of the ball and a promising 12 shots completed.
Only three hit the target as Marcus Forss and Matt Crooks got a goal in the 3-2 loss to QPR to make it one point from two games in the second tier.
As for Barnsley, they are down in League One this season after a torrid 2021/22 saw them relegated. They’ve started things with a 1-0 loss to Plymouth Argyle before getting all three points against Cheltenham thanks to a goal from Luke Thomas.
It’s been topsy-turvy for Barnsley so far, and the Tykes do need to pick things up in the near future if they are to rack up some solid form any time soon.
However, Forebet predicts a draw here and for the game to see under 2.5 goals.