The new Middlesbrough FC trend that Southampton & Tonda Eckert must surely hate | OneFootball

Ahead of the Championship play-offs, there is a new trend at Middlesbrough emerging which Southampton and Tonda Eckert are likely hating...

As we head into the Championship play-off semi-final between Southampton and Middlesbrough, there has been a clear narrative surrounding Kim Hellberg's side this season.

Since Kim Hellberg replaced Rob Edwards in November, games have largely played out in the same way for them. They have had plenty of control, plenty of chances, but not enough cutting edge when it has mattered most in the run-in.

That is exemplified by the fact Boro were in the automatic promotion places for longer than any other side this season, with Coventry City inside for 216 days and Middlesbrough 217, only for the Teessiders to finish in fifth and set up the play-off semi with Southampton.

It's also exemplified by Middlesbrough winning just two of the last 10 league games, with one being against the worst team in the league in Sheffield Wednesday and the other by a Watford side in total free-fall. But the outcome of this play-off is not necessarily simple despite the form of both teams.

Southampton have to be wary of recent Middlesbrough trend

Tonda Eckert and co. are unbeaten in the last 19 Championship matches, with only five draws in that time as well. On paper, many will eye the form tables of each and be backing the Saints, especially with home advantage in the second-leg.

However, the control and chances highlight how well coached Boro are, and that it has simply been their lack of cutting edge which has caused them to drop out of the top two. It is a familiar frustration for sides that dominate the ball, and at times, Boro have been guilty of perhaps overplaying somewhat.

The other argument is that a lack of confidence has caused the dip in some attacking players, rather than delivering the decisive moment in the final third. That lack of ruthlessness or drop in confidence has arguably been what cost them a shot at automatic promotion, leaving them to navigate the play-offs instead.

Yet, just as quickly as that criticism has gathered pace, a new trend has begun to emerge — one that could not be more timely heading into a high-stakes clash with Southampton and Eckert. For all the missed chances earlier in the run-in, Middlesbrough’s forward line now appears to be clicking into gear at precisely the right moment.

The form of Tommy Conway and David Strelec is undoubtedly central to that shift. Both have endured spells where their finishing let them down, spurning opportunities that should have been converted. Looking back on key games against Portsmouth, Bristol City, and Charlton Athletic at home, that duo were particularly culpable.

As per louorns on X, Middlesbrough have the dominance in performances as a team, but now recent performances from individuals suggest a growing confidence and composure in front of goal, with the pair beginning to turn high-quality chance creation into tangible output.

Strelec has contributed to nine goals in 32 matches so far this season, while Conway has 18 in 48 matches in all competitions. Now, Strelec has managed four in three games to end the season, with Conway contributing to six in his last six appearances.

They predominantly came against Wrexham and in the 5-1 win over Watford, but it's still well-timed. In many ways, it's a shame for Boro that they didn't hit their stride sooner. On the other hand, it is the sort of momentum that could be what defines a play-off campaign.

The firepower between Middlesbrough and Southampton will make for a great spectacle

This latest uptick in form and goals is where the concern for Southampton lies. On paper, they possess a more established and arguably superior attacking unit, with greater depth and proven quality through Finn Azaz, Leo Scienza, Cyle Larin, and the like. However, football — particularly in the play-offs — is not just decided purely on reputation.

Of course, match-winners and game-breaking players are vital, but Boro are the more dominant side in terms of chances at both ends. Even if form, rhythm, and timing often prove to be influential — which Southampton undoubtedly have — Middlesbrough’s attackers seem to be peaking just as the stakes rise as well.

Tactically, this tie has the potential to become an open, transitional contest. Both sides favour controlling possession, building through the thirds, and committing numbers forward. When two teams with similar ideologies collide, games can quickly become stretched, with end-to-end sequences and limited defensive stability.

In that scenario, clinical edge becomes everything. Both sets of players seem to have hit form at a good time and the side that converts chances at the higher rate will likely progress, regardless of who dominates possession or territory. Earlier in the month, that dynamic would have favoured Southampton.

Now, it feels far more balanced — if not subtly tilted towards Boro given their current attacking surge. Ultimately, Middlesbrough’s evolving attacking trend, which has shifted from wasteful to efficient, could be the decisive factor and must be frustrating for Eckert and co.