“I’d say Sheffield United” – Middlesbrough fan pundit assesses play-off rivals ahead of run-in

This article is part of Football League World’s ‘Terrace Talk‘ series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Middlesbrough moved up to fifth in the Championship after a 4-0 hammering of Peterborough over the weekend.

Chris Wilder has transformed Boro since his appointment and they are firmly in the hunt for promotion, with the team playing well and they have found form at the right time.

However, such is the ridiculously competitive nature of the league, Boro still have a lot of work to do to ensure they finish in the top six.

You could argue that any side down to 11th placed Coventry City are in the mix and Middlesbrough fan pundit Dana Malt has highlighted Sheffield United as a real threat for Boro if they meet in the play-offs.

“I’d probably be most worried about facing Sheffield United because firstly they’ve got a Premier League quality squad. Some of the players they have at this level is unbelievable really.

“Secondly, they’ve already dismantled us this season, and under Chris Wilder as well. Wilder has overseen such an improvement in this squad, yet when we went to Bramall Lane we were completely pulled apart.

“Probably because of that result, and because it was quite recent as well, it sticks in the mind, so I’d say Sheffield United for those reasons.”

The Blades, who beat Boro 4-1 last month, are currently in eighth and a point behind Wilder’s side.

The verdict

There will be many who agree that Sheffield United pose a major threat to Boro – and all teams in the hunt to win promotion.

Paul Heckingbottom is working with a very talented squad when everyone is fit and, as mentioned here, they know they can