This Week's Opposition: Middlesbrough

Portsmouth's next opponent in the Championship picked apart by Jake Smith.

Following 3 away games on the spin and 3 consecutive defeats, we’re back at Fratton Park this weekend for the visit of promotion-chasing Middlesbrough.

MANAGER

Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick is at the helm for Middlesbrough.

The 43-year-old took charge in November 2022 with the side sat 21st in the Championship.

Since then, he has recorded a win percentage of 48.28 from 116 competitive fixtures.

ONE TO WATCH

Finn Azaz is a big threat to keep an eye on this weekend.

The 24-year-old joined Boro for an undisclosed fee from Aston Villa last January and has so far notched 12 goals since arriving and this season alone has bagged 8, as well as producing an impressive 9 assists too - That’s 17 goal contributions for him alone since the start of the campaign.

Azaz wears the number 20 shirt.

TOP SCORER

With 10 goals and 2 assists to his name so far this season, Ivorian striker Emmanuel Latte Lath is Boro’s top scorer.

The 26-year-old scored his side’s only goal in their 1-1 draw with Cardiff City on January 4th, their most recent league fixture.

CURRENT FORM

Middlesbrough haven’t won as many games as they’d have liked to recently but they haven’t lost too many either.

They’re unbeaten in 6 league matches but 4 of those were draws. Their most recent fixture however came in the Third Round of The FA Cup last Saturday, losing 1-0 at home to Blackburn Rovers.

Michael Carrick’s side sit 6th in the Championship and are aiming to maintain their position in the Play-Offs - They’ve lost just 2 of their last 13 in the league.

Can the Blues return to winning ways on their return to home soil?

Catch all of the unmissable action this Saturday (December 18th) afternoon from 2pm - Jake Smith, Pepe Lacey and James Wilson will be on hand to present full coverage on Express FM LIVE from Fratton Park.

Kick-off: 3pm!