What is at Stake?
Since Valérien Ismaël's appointment, Blackburn Rovers have picked up just one point in his first five matches as manager, and four of the last five have been defeats.
A win for Rovers would take them up to ninth place, and just two points from the play-offs ahead of both Norwich City and Watford.
If Middlesbrough can seal three points at Ewood Park, it would take them up to fifth place on 60 points.
However, even if they do win, Coventry or West Brom would have to draw or lose on Saturday, for Boro to keep their spot in the play-offs again going into next week’s midweek fixtures.
Current Form:
Blackburn have lost four of their last five matches in the Championship under their new gaffer, and come into this game after a disappointing performance away at Portsmouth last weekend, losing 1-0 at Fratton Park.
Not only will a win be vital if Rovers want to stay alive in this playoff push, but it will be crucial that Ismaël can get his first win charge, with huge noise between the fans are the ownership at this moment in time.
During the winter window, Boro managed to sign some huge names in the likes of; Morgan Whitaker on a permanent transfer, plus Samuel Illing-Junior, Mark Travers and Kelechi Iheanacho on loan, but struggled to find form after January as pressure brewed on manager Micheal Carrick after a lot of money was spent.
However, Boro stuck by the man who had been at the club since 2022, and that loyalty has begun to pay off as the Teeside club are now back on course for a playoff push with three wins in their last five.
Blackburn’s last 5 games:
Portsmouth 1-0 Blackburn
Blackburn 1-2 Cardiff
Stoke 1-0 Blackburn
Derby 2-1 Blackburn
Blackburn 1-1 Norwich
Middlesbrough’s last 5 games:
Middlesbrough 2-1 Oxford
Luton 0-0 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough 2-1 QPR
Swansea 1-0 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough 1-0 Derby
Team News:
Callum Britain is still a doubt for Blackburn after he picked up a calf injury a few weeks ago, and will also be without Emmanuel Dennis, who picked up an injury during the international break.
Liverpool loanee Owen Beck is also a doubt for Friday’s game, after the left-back went off with an injury during Rovers’ defeat at Portsmouth last Saturday.
Harry Leonard and Andreas Weimann are still also unavailable, with it being confirmed last week that Weimann will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury.
And brother of Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton - Scott Wharton is also still a few weeks away from a return after he suffered a serious knee injury over a year ago, but has since returned to training on the grass over the past month.
Middlesbrough are currently suffering a huge injury crisis at the back, with at least three first team defenders in George Edmundson (ankle), Dael Fry (calf) Darragh Lenihan (ankle).
They are also without two goalkeepers, with Seny Deing (Achilles tendon), and Sol Brynn (muscle injury).
They will also be without two full backs in captain Luke Ayling who picked up an ankle injury back in February, and Sierra Leone left back Alex Bangura.
