Managers are all going all-out to finish their season in fine style

MIDDLESBROUGH head into today’s tense final day of the season needing favours from elsewhere.

- 

First things first of course, their play-off chances rest on them beating Coventry City. Regardless of what happens elsewhere, if Boro don’t get the win, their season will be over.

But if they do manage to finally get one over their old foes and win today, their superior goal difference will give them an excellent chance of finishing in one of the two remaining play-off spots. They'll ultimately just need two results to go their way on the day, which could be any two of a Bristol City defeat to Preston North End, or at most only a draw for either or both Millwall and Blackburn Rovers against Burnley and Sheffield United respectively.

While relying on others is not ideal, and certainly not a position Boro should find themselves in given the way results have gone of late, that’s the position they find themselves in ahead of the final-day. And in the pre-match words and sentiments of the bosses they need favours from, there is reason for optimism.

CHRIS WILDER