Michael Carrick issues The Den warning ahead of Millwall vs Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough boss Michael Carrick has been speaking ahead of his side’s crucial clash with Millwall on Saturday. The two sides are separated by just three points in the table, with Boro two points off the top six, while the Lions are five points off and needing to keep winning to make up the gap with time running out.

The Lions have been on a good run of late, most recently stunning Sheffield United, but with just five games remaining,, they arguably need to win four or five to finish inside the top six.

Boro’s playoff equation is a little easier given their three-point head start, but they know that defeat here could threaten to ruin their hopes, especially with sixth place Coventry City in such good form.

Boro boss Carrick has spoken ahead of this one, and he said: “They’re a very good team and they’re in a good position, just behind us in the league. They’ve done a lot of good things and have had some good results. It’s a tough place to go at any time and they’ve got a lot to play for themselves, so we know what the stadium and the atmosphere will probably bring. As we are in every game we go into, we’re focussed on getting the best out of ourselves and seeing what the game brings.

“There’s still plenty to do after this one, so it’s not all on one game. Like us, they’ve put themselves in a position and they’re hoping for more. That’s what these games bring. This season is not all decided on Saturday. For sure, there’s a need for points and we’ll do everything we can do win the game. We had a little round where results went in our favour, we won and it flipped in our favour. Results can turn and go the other way quite quickly, and I think that will carry on.”

Speaking on the playoff race in general, Carrick added: “Some results go in your favour and some might go against you, but staying as level-headed as you can is important. We know that we’ve still got a big job to do and there’s a lot ahead of us. Finishing so strongly in the game on Tuesday, there was a good energy and positivity in the stadium at the end, which showed how well the boys had done. We can carry that with us.”

Millwall preparations

Millwall will be without Josh Coburn for this one, with the striker on loan from Boro and unable to face his parent club. Coburn scored the all-important winner against the Blades and has scored four goals in 12 league games for the Lions so far.

Lions boss Alex Neil has said ahead of this one: “I think the importance of the game is just magnified isn’t it? I think at the weekend there was probably the best atmosphere at The Den that I’ve experienced since I’ve been here. I’m really hoping this Saturday will be far better than that because there’s a lot at stake isn’t there? If we can go and try and win the game, then we give ourselves an opportunity.”

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