After yesterday’s results, Boro sit fifth, four points behind Millwall and three behind Ipswich and Southampton.
If Ipswich win today they’ll move six points clear of Boro with only nine points for Boro to play for. Ipswich would have 12 to play for and a superior goal difference that would effectively mean they’d only be able to pick up two more points this season for Boro to have a chance.
While a draw wouldn’t completely kill Boro, it would still feel like a huge ask. Three points off Millwall, Southamton and Ipswich with so little time left and Ipswich’s game in hand and goal difference in mind.
If, and it’s a big if, Boro win though, what a race it sets up. Ipswich will still be favourites because of that game in hand and goal difference, but, with three to go, it would be Millwall 2nd on 73 points, then Ipswich, Southampton and Boro all on 72.
Boro, who would have finally ended the winless run, would then have home games against Sheff Wed and Watford – who’ve won one of their last eight – in their next two. So win today, and it’s most definitely still on for Boro.
But, given they’re winless in six and have only two wins in 11, getting that win is easier said than done.