Michael Carrick will end this campaign with Middlesbrough having recorded their second successive top-10 finish under his management.
However, Boro can only be frustrated with their 2023-24 campaign, losing in the EFL Cup semi-finals from a winning position and never threatening for promotion.
The last 11 matches have been far more positive. Six wins and four draws have been posted, with their only defeat coming by a 4-3 scoreline at home to Leeds United.
That said, this is a Middlesbrough side that head into the final day of the season sitting six points adrift of the playoffs.
Middlesbrough’s home form has been the issue. While they have conceded just 25 times in 22 fixtures at the Riverside Stadium, they have suffered nine defeats.
As for Watford, they are starting a new era under Tom Cleverley, the decision having already been made to hand the former midfielder the reins on a permanent basis.
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That call was made even with the Hornets having won just once in his first seven games in the dugout, a total of five draws against top-10 sides working in the ex-England international’s favour.
Cleverley’s stock rose last weekend as Watford posted a 1-0 victory over Sunderland at Vicarage Road, which was incredibly their first league win at home since November.
Although Watford can still finish anywhere between 12th and 16th, avoiding defeat is probably the priority for a team that will want to retain their momentum heading into next season.
