Statistical Preview: Middlesbrough vs. Sheffield Wednesday

At the season’s midpoint, Middlesbrough occupies the final Championship play-off position amidst a close contest for a top-six finish. The team shares the same number of points as West Bromwich Albion, currently in seventh place. Meanwhile, only five points distinguish Blackburn Rovers, in fifth, from Sheffield Wednesday, positioned ninth. Sheffield Wednesday, also known as “The Owls,” will visit the Riverside Stadium, arriving with a two-game winning streak. In contrast, Middlesbrough, or “Boro,” has secured only one victory in its last four matches. In their last five league encounters with Sheffield Wednesday, Middlesbrough has emerged victorious in three, drawing one and losing one. Last season, Middlesbrough defeated Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 at the Riverside. Sheffield Wednesday has experienced defeats in its two most recent league visits to Middlesbrough. Their last win there was a 4-1 victory under Garry Monk in September 2019. This upcoming fixture marks the fourth league match between Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday to be played on Boxing Day. Middlesbrough secured a 1-0 win in 1930, while Sheffield Wednesday claimed victories in the last two Boxing Day meetings, in 1999 and 2018. Middlesbrough has a strong record on Boxing Day, winning nine of their last 12 league games played on that date. However, they suffered a 1-0 away defeat to Rotherham United last season. Last year, Sheffield Wednesday lost 2-0 to Coventry on Boxing Day. The team has not experienced consecutive Boxing Day defeats since 2000 (a 2-0 loss to Bolton) and 2001 (a 1-0 loss to Birmingham).