David Prutton has just predicted the score when Middlesbrough play host to top-two-chasing Leeds United on Monday evening.
Michael Carrick‘s side have little riding on the remaining three games of the campaign, however, they’ll want to finish it strongly, as it may help to attract players in the summer transfer window.
With the current momentum they are in, it seems they’ll be challenging for the playoffs next term and perhaps even the top two.
The Riverside outfit have avoided defeat in their last nine games, winning five of those, so Leeds certainly won’t be expecting an easy game.
Sky Sports pundit Prutton has issued his honest prediction ahead of Monday’s clash on Teesside.
David Prutton predicts Middlesbrough v Leeds United
Leeds United have been on a poor run of form since returning from the March international break and asked if he expects them to respond against Middlesbrough, Prutton said: “Yes and they need one don’t they because of what’s going on around them.
“They’ve looked in a bit of a funk in the last few games. They’re not at their rhythmic best but maybe having some real confidence that comes from a whole batch of EFL awards that got chucked their way collectively.
“Maybe that spurs them back on because they’ve got to get back to it.”
The former Nottingham Forest midfielder continued: “But not straightforward as we know against a Boro side that has at times looked effective this season under Michael.
“But they’ll be disappointed that they’re not going to be knocking on the door of the top six.”
Asked for his prediction, he said: “I’m going to go Leeds to win 2-1.”
Middlesbrough have the opportunity to spoil the party
Monday’s game will be the first time this season that Middlesbrough have nothing really of note to play for, so it will be interesting to see what kind of performance they produce.
Teams who are on the beach, as the saying goes, can often come in for a bruising defeat towards the latter stages of the season.
Carrick mustn’t allow that to be the case and perhaps he should frame it as an opportunity to upset the odds and spoil Leeds’ potential promotion party.
The Boro boss needs to find a different way to motivate his players with play-offs now out of the picture, so that could be one approach.
Or he may look to bed some of his younger players into first-team action, as they’ll be eager to impress the Riverside faithful.