Can Southampton End Middlesbrough’s Perfect Start?
Southampton hosts high-flying Middlesbrough in a pivotal clash for both sides at this stage of the season. For Saints, it’s an opportunity to revitalise their currently lacklustre campaign; For Boro, it presents the perfect chance for Rob Edwards’ side to establish themselves in a promotion push this season.
But why have Middlesbrough started so brightly, and what will it take for Southampton to halt the Championship leaders in their tracks?
Current Form
Will Still’s Southampton have slowly deteriorated in quality over these six games. Positive outings against Wrexham and Ipswich were undermined by heavily faltering performances against the likes of Stoke and Hull City. While they sit in 19th place, only four points separate them from the playoff places. However, if the upcoming fixtures drag on without a victory, they will slowly drift out of promotion contention.
Many had initial doubts over Rob Edwards’ appointment at Teeside. The former Luton Town manager has addressed these worries almost instantly, opening the Championship campaign unbeaten with five wins and one draw, making it their best start to a season in 31 years. Their only loss this season has come against Doncaster, in surprising fashion at that – losing 4-0.
Why Have Middlesbrough Started So Well?
During former manager Michael Carrick’s tenure, Middlesbrough were riddled with defensive injuries, often heading into matches unsure which defensive lineup would feature. His side were prolific scorers, ranking fourth highest last season. Their inconsistencies were, you guessed it, at the back, going on to concede an average of 1.20 goals per match. As Edwards took charge, he prioritised maintaining that goalscoring ability while stabilising the defence, especially with new signings arriving and injured players returning.
One of the hallmarks of Rob Edwards’ approach is his use of wing-backs to provide width and create chances, allowing the central attackers to operate in the most effective spaces. Callum Brittain and Matt Targett have been particularly influential out wide, often advancing deep into opposition territory, stretching defences, and delivering or finishing chances themselves. This strategy has ensured that Boro maintain their attacking threat, with multiple players able to contribute goals and create opportunities, rather than relying on a single forward.
Equally as impressive has been Middlesbrough’s aggression without the ball. They press intelligently, with multiple players forcing opposition mistakes or rushed passes, often in dangerous areas. The double pivot of Aidan Morris and Hayden Hackney is central to this system since they cover huge ground, break the play and progress, and link the defence with attack. Their energy and technical ability allow them to control a game, both in and out of possession. The result is a team that is balanced, flexible, and difficult to beat, combining and currently improving the scoring frequency of Carrick’s era with a newfound defensive solidity.
Where the Saints Must Adapt Against Middlesbrough
After the summer additions of Tom Fellows and Finn Azaz, the Saints were quick to tactically adjust from their 3-4-3 structure to the 4-2-3-1. There were instant caveats, however, as creativity felt stale, over-relying on crosses (evidenced by ranking fourth in the league for accurate crosses) despite the forwards not being aggressive or tall enough to compete. By sacrificing one defender in the structural switch, Still‘s men were taken advantage of by a transition-heavy Hull City, who pounced on defensive mistakes. If they were to get a result on Saturday, reverting to the 3/5 back will be their best option.
Travelling to Anfield in midweek, there was much anticipation about whether Still would prefer the 4-2-3-1. However, it seems he’s realised they’ve looked a much more competent pressing team when there is further defensive stability behind the forward line. While they conceded two to Liverpool, with one being a mistake leading to a goal, they created more xG than the Premier League champions in the game, showcasing the attacking improvements.
A key player was defender Nathan Wood, who stepped up once again in the back line. Consistency is key in regaining form, and they should look to keep the majority of the eleven that started the midweek clash against Liverpool for this Saturday.
Preview
Injuries & Suspensions
Southampton
- Welington — Ankle Injury, Out
- Samuel Edozie — Knock, Doubtful
Middlesbrough
- Georgr Edmindson — Eye Injury, Out
- Riley McGree — Hamstring Injury, Out
- Seny Dieng — Achilles Tendon Injury, Out
Predicted Lineups
Southampton (3-4-3): Bazunu; Stephens, Wood, Edwards; Jelert, Charles, Downes, Manning; Fellows, Armstrong, Scienza
Middlesbrough (3-4-2-1): Brynn; Ayling, Fry, Jones; Brittain, Morris, Hackney, Targett; Nypan, Conway; Strelec
Predicted Scoreline
Southampton 2-2 Middlesbrough
It’s a clash where both sides will be up for the fight, especially as their aims centre on promotion this season. While Middlesbrough will be heading in as favourites, the Saints have a plethora of talent at their disposal, which could pose a massive goalscoring threat if they click on Saturday.
Nonetheless, Rob Edwards has drilled a well-oiled machine at Boro and will be no easy task on the South Coast this weekend.
