“What I want…” – Middlesbrough fan pundit shares wish as Tottenham clash looms

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 take on Tottenham tonight in the FA Cup looking to spring a surprise and progress into the quarter-finals of the competition. 

Chris Wilder’s side stunned Manchester United in the previous round, winning at Old Trafford on penalties following a 1-1 draw.

FLW’s Boro fan pundit, Dana Malt, isn’t predicting another cup upset, instead wishing for nothing more than a performance the club’s fanbase can be proud of.

She told FLW: “If we play like we did in the first-half against Barnsley then definitely no! But I’m hoping we don’t repeat that performance against Spurs, who will punish us.

“Ahead of cup games like this where Boro are facing superior opposition, I never really go into it expecting a surprise or having confidence of a surprise.

“I only ever go into it wanting my team to give everything by the end of the match. That’s what I went into the Manchester United game hoping. I wanted to feel proud of the team by the end of the game and I did.

“I’m hoping that will be the same against Tottenham.

“Whether it will mean a victory for us, taking them to extra time and penalties or losing with the knowledge your team has done well. That’s what I want from the game.

“We can surprise them, you never know. That’s the magic of the cup. But I’m not expecting it.”

Boro’s preparations for the mammoth task the FA Cup throws up tonight has been mixed, with Championship results up and down.

Wilder’s side lost out to Barnsley on Saturday and were 3-0 down in that fixture, whilst they also lost out to Bristol