Jeff Stelling thinks Middlesbrough have weapon not seen ‘in a long time’ they must use at Southampton

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Jeff Stelling has pointed to one renewed advantage Middlesbrough have this season that will be key for their trip to Southampton and the rest of their season.

Boro sit top of the Championship table after their best ever start to a campaign in the competition after six games since 2011/12, with a four-point cushion between them and second place Stoke City.

Rob Edwards’ side saw off West Bromwich Albion 2-1 on Friday night in front of a packed Riverside Stadium. Goals from David Strelec and Kaly Sene were enough to seal all three points despite Aune Heggebo’s late goal for the Baggies.

After watching Boro’s victory, football broadcasting legend and boyhood Hartlepool United fan Jeff Stelling noticed one big change at Boro that he hasn’t seen ‘for a long time’ – and it could be vital as the club push for promotion.

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Jeff Stelling praises Middlesbrough atmosphere, Boro fans must take that to St Mary’s

Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast on Monday morning, Stelling praised Boro’s fans for generating an electric atmosphere to drive their team on during the win.

He said: “It was a great weekend for Boro as Stoke were beaten at Queens Park Rangers, so the gap at the top is four points.

“Goodness me, could there be three North East teams in the Premier League next season? Even though it’s early days. By the way, the Boro fans on Friday night got behind their side. I hadn’t heard it [like that] for a long time, they’re pretty passionate about things there now.”

Boro returned to the Premier League for one season in 2016/17, before dropping back to the second tier. Since then, the highest position they have finished in is fourth, with the lowest being 17th. Now, they sit at the top of the Championship tree, and a win over Southampton will help cement belief they can achieve promotion this term.

Middlesbrough’s record against Southampton

Boro travel to St Mary’s on Saturday to face a Southampton side currently underperforming. That’s despite spending the second highest amount in the Championship on summer transfers and being widely tipped to bounce straight back up to the Premier League.

Southampton lost 3-1 at Hull City on Saturday, and will be keen to secure their first league win since the opening day victory over Wrexham.

Middlesbrough have only faced Southampton five times since 2012, with the clubs winning two of their meetings each. Their last meeting came in March 2024, which ended in a 1-1 draw.

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The other four fixtures have been won by a margin of just one goal. Boro are the third highest scorers in the division with 11 goals, though, so it’s unlikely Saturday will be a low-scoring affair.