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MIDDLESBROUGH v WATFORD
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Riverside Stadium
Saturday 4th May 2024
Kick Off : 1230 BST
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So here we are at game 46 in a 46 match season. For those who hit the road week after week to support the team, a long journey to the north-east will be another very long day out. The loyalty of those fans is even greater when they have been subjected to so many poor performances. So a big round of applause to those who make this early kick-off.
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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 play-offs.
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.
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Watford, are starting a new era under Tom Cleverley, the decision having been 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, a total of five draws against top-10 sides 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
Middlesbrough might well start with the same team that beat Cardiff 4-1 in their last game, as no injury news is available from there.
Some changes will happen with the Hornets.
"Ryan Porteous we’re giving him a bit of protection for the summer ahead [Euros], but he’s also on 14 yellow cards and I don’t want to lose him for the first three games of next season.
Giorgi [Chakvetadze] has had this ongoing groin issue. Again, we know how huge the summer is for him, so we’re not going to risk him.
Emmanuel Dennis picked up a knee issue last weekend, so won’t be fit to travel. Will we see him again in a Watford shirt?
Tom Dele-Bashiru is something we’ve been trying to manage. He’s had a difficult time with injuries, a little bit of burnout and a few niggles. He won’t be in the matchday squad."
Our Officials
JAMES BELL
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Ian Cooper and Robert Hyde
Fourth Official : Ben Toner
Depending on where in the world you are, enjoy your summer or winter.
