Middlesbrough vs Sheffield Wednesday Prediction: Middlesbrough playing to sneak into playoff

Middlesbrough will welcome Sheffield Wednesday at Riverside Stadium in Game Week 40 of the English Championship. Middlesbrough are playing to sneak into the playoff spot in the Championship. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?

Middlesbrough fans feel they may have left their push for the playoffs too late, as they are nine points behind with seven games to go. Despite this, they have been in good form lately, going undefeated in their last five matches. Their recent draw against Blackburn Rovers was disappointing, but they managed to earn a 1-1 draw against Southampton thanks to Emmanuel Latte Lath's late header. Boro have one of the best away records in the division, but their struggles at home have hurt them this season.

Paddy McNair may make a return to the Middlesbrough XI, while Jonny Howson performed well as a centre-back against Southampton and is likely to keep his place. Alex Gilbert made an impact as a substitute, but is expected to remain on the bench, with Sam Silvera potentially returning on the left flank. Rav den den Berg, Dael Fry, Hayden Hackney, and Marcus Forss are all expected to be sidelined due to injury.

Dieng; Ayling, Howson, Clarke, Engel; Barlaser, O'Brien; Jones, Azaz, Silvera; Latte Lath. 

Sheffield Wednesday have had a recent four-game winning streak, but they have now gone three games without a win, conceding eight goals in the process. They managed a draw against Swansea City, and are only out of the relegation zone on goal difference. Wednesday face three key games against relegation rivals, and will need to perform well in those matches to secure their fate.

Despite the quick turnaround, it is unlikely that Rohl will make significant changes to his Sheffield Wednesday lineup. Dominic Iorfa, Barry Bannan, and Djeidi Gassama are all in consideration for a recall, but Ian Poveda may not be ready in time for the match.

Beadle; Diaby, Ihiekwe, Famewo; Valentin, Vaulks, Palmer, Johnson; Ugbo, Cadamarteri, Musaba

Despite their differing league positions, this match is expected to be closely contested. While Wednesday may stay competitive and even take the lead at some point, Middlesbrough's confidence suggests they could ultimately win with a late goal.