Riverside showdown as Middlesbrough look to keep momentum
Middlesbrough return to the Riverside on Tuesday determined to follow up a dramatic 4-3 victory over Norwich City as they prepare to face Millwall, who arrive mid-table seeking consistency.
The home side sit fourth in the Championship, having lost only once this season, while Millwall are twelfth. Middlesbrough’s late winner at Carrow Road — a stoppage-time strike by Ashley Phillips — emphasised both the squad’s resilience and the fine margins at the top end of the division.
- League positions: Middlesbrough 4th, Millwall 12th
- Recent Middlesbrough form (league): W L W D W W
- Recent Millwall form (league): W W L L W L
The club remains mindful of last season’s near-miss. Middlesbrough were beaten 1-0 by Hull City in the Championship play-off final at Wembley, narrowly missing promotion to the Premier League — a motivating memory for supporters and players alike as the campaign resumes.
Manager Kim Hellberg has refreshed his squad in the close season, bringing in the likes of Will Lankshear, Radek Vitek, Sebastian Berhalter and Amario Cozier-Duberry. Berhalter and Cozier-Duberry both made an impact at Norwich: Berhalter scored twice and Cozier-Duberry also found the net as Middlesbrough edged a memorable win.
"Absolutely crazy", Hellberg said of the Norwich game, praising the team’s "character" to find a winner late on.
Team selection could be affected by minor knocks. Alfie Jones picked up a small injury at the weekend and Hellberg may consider starting Ashley Phillips if the defender is not risked.
Millwall’s mixed start and the away record
Millwall began the campaign with higher expectations after finishing close to the top last season. Their results this term have been inconsistent: the Lions suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Southampton and were beaten 3-0 by Wrexham, but replied emphatically with a 4-0 win over Bolton. On Saturday they lost 3-1 to Blackburn Rovers, a result Alex Neil described as a "wasted opportunity".
Historically the fixture has produced tight encounters. Middlesbrough lost 1-2 to Millwall in April, and the clubs have traded wins and defeats in recent meetings. Millwall’s manager Alex Neil has a respectable record when taking charge of sides away to Middlesbrough in the Championship, and his team will be aiming to upset the hosts at the Riverside.
What to expect on the night
Middlesbrough will be looking to harness the confidence from the late comeback and consolidate their position among the promotion challengers. Millwall, despite their uneven start, are dangerous on their day and possess the capacity to strike quickly — as their thumping of Bolton demonstrated.
Key considerations for Middlesbrough supporters:
- Can the new signings maintain their early impact and blend into Hellberg’s system?
- Will Alfie Jones be fit to start, or will Hellberg opt for Phillips at the back?
- How Millwall respond tactically after the Blackburn defeat and whether they can arrest their inconsistency.
| Stat | Middlesbrough | Millwall |
|---|---|---|
| League position | 4th | 12th |
| Recent league results | W L W D W W | W W L L W L |
For Middlesbrough, the match is another test of their promotion credentials and squad depth. For a city that has lived through the ups and downs of Championship football, the Riverside encounter with Millwall will be judged as much for its tactical substance as for its drama.
The fixture offers fans at the Riverside a chance to see whether Hellberg’s side can turn late-season heartbreak from last term into the consistency required for an extended push this season.
