North East | Middlesbrough travel to Wrexham still fighting for promotion

Wrexham v Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough’s season comes down to this: a final-day trip to Wrexham where only victory will suffice, and even that may not be enough

Author | Anthony Gates

Stadium | STōK Cae Ras

The Middlesbrough boss speaks with the press ahead of their match against Wrexham. youtu.be/wZf7tH6houA?...

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Boro are only partly in control of their own destiny, aware they will need favours from Ipswich and Millwall if they are to snatch second place.

Their position owes much to a recent dip in form, with just four points taken from a possible 21 between 11 March and 19 April, a run that has seen them slip to fourth in the table.

Back-to-back wins have at least offered encouragement. A hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday was followed by a commanding 5-1 win against Watford, the latter in particular hinting at a return to the form that had many seasoned Championship observers tipping them for automatic promotion during the winter.

It would be a stretch to suggest Teesside expects promotion this weekend, but hope has returned. If, as appears likely, the play-offs await, there is some comfort in the sense that few will relish facing Kim Hellberg’s side.

It has been a season of significant highs and sharp setbacks, so perhaps there is still one final twist to come this weekend.

Wrexham also have a lot to play for

Despite last weekend’s 3-1 defeat to champions Coventry City, Phil Parkinson and his players are aware that a win over Middlesbrough could be enough to seal sixth place.

The permutations remain finely balanced. A narrow victory could leave the door open for Hull City to overtake them, while a draw or defeat would hand Derby County an opportunity. There is also a scenario in which Wrexham could miss out on goal difference or head-to-head record.