Boro’s strength in depth, combined with one worrying statistic, seems to point to one thing in Saturday’s Championship trip to the Riverside.
Millwall manager Neil Harris has spoken about one quality in particular that makes Middlesbrough dangerous ahead of Saturday’s Championship clash at the Riverside Stadium.
The Lions, who are 20th in the table and just five points above the relegation zone, have a tall order ahead of them as they visit a side fifth in the standings.
Although Millwall aren’t in bad form, having won three of their last five league games (Transfermarkt), they suffered a defeat last time out at home against Blackburn Rovers.
Meanwhile, Boro have won two and drawn one of their last five league games, and the stats surrounding the fixture favour them too.
According to Opta Stats, Middlesbrough have won each of their last two Championship home games against Millwall, scoring five times and conceding none.
In addition, Millwall have not kept a clean sheet in any of their last 12 league matches against Boro, drawing 2-2 on the opening day of this season.
Speaking ahead of the game, Harris was particularly concerned about the calibre of players Boro can bring off the bench.
“I’ve spoken very highly before of Tony Pulis, and they have a really good squad,” Harris told the official Millwall website.
“When I watched their game against Birmingham from last week, they were able to bring the likes of Stewart Downing, Paddy McNair and Britt Assombalonga off the bench, and it shows the strength in depth that they have.”
The opposition’s strength in depth could be especially concerning given the Lions’ last three Championship goals conceded have been scored in the 89th, 86th and 87th minutes – not to mention conceding in the 87th and 90th minute against Middlesbrough in August (Opta Stats).
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