Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough are flying high in the Championship. Both clubs sit in the top six and Friday night’s match is a massive six-point affair.
A win could spur one of the clubs on to automatic promotion, while the loser could see themselves fall out of the top six depending on results elsewhere.
Jos Luhukay’s Owls are undefeated in their last four fixtures. Sheffield Wednesday defeated Bristol City before the international break, 2-1, thanks to goals from Lucas Joao. The win propelled the Owls from 12th place to sixth. A win on Friday and the Owls could move as high as fourth in the Championship.
Joao leads Sheffield Wednesday in goals with five. Despite leading the team currently, the Portuguese player hasn’t been too consistent. The pair was his first goals since September 1st.
Middlesbrough lost to Nottingham Forest, 2-0, in their last match. It ended a four-match unbeaten run for Tony Pulis’ team. Middlesbrough were played off the pitch and held scoreless for just the third time all season. Middlesbrough have secured nine out of 18 points on the road this term and they will be after their third away win.
Britt Assombalonga leads Middlesbrough in goals with five. However, the DR Congo international hasn’t scored in his last two matches. Assombalonga has played just 55 minutes combined over the course of the last two fixtures as the forward has been battling injuries. Fitness has been elusive forcing Assombalonga to come off of the bench.
Middlesbrough go into the fixture as the sportsbooks’ favourite. Their recent record against Sheffield Wednesday has been exceptional with four wins from a possible six. The Owls haven’t beaten Middlesbrough since 2015 when they won 2-0 at home. Their last six meetings in all competitions have averaged 2.2 goals per game.
Sheffield Wednesday are in good form and their last three home matches have each ended in a draw. Luhukay’s Owls have recorded four draws this term (second most in the Championship) and each has come at Hillsborough. Luhukay is sweating the fitness of defender Ash Baker. He sustained an injury during the international break with the Wales under-21 team and his inclusion will be determined closer to kick off. Middlesbrough could be without winger Harry Chapman as he is still recovering from a hamstring injury.
Both clubs look even going into Friday’s massive top six clash. Nothing will be able to separate the sides as both will go for the win. In the end, a score draw will be the final result.