Michael Carrick is 90 minutes from matching unwanted 19-year Middlesbrough record vs Blackburn Rovers

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The Championship returns to our screens on Friday evening with a huge clash between Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers.

Both sides are in desperate need of three points prior to kick-off at Ewood Park on April 4.

Blackburn Rovers have lost four in a row since Valerien Ismael became their permanent manager.

This has seen the club fall down the Championship table and Blackburn fans hit out at the hierarchy, which includes former Boro man, Rudy Gestede.

As for Boro, they earned a much-needed victory over a struggling Oxford United last time out.

In a big boost, two of Middlesbrough’s closest rivals dropped points in their last outing, seeing Michael Carrick and co. climb to within touching distance of the top-six.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
4	SunderlandSunderland	39	20	12	7	56	37	19	72
5	CoventryCoventry	39	17	8	14	56	51	5	59
6	West BromWest Brom	39	13	18	8	48	35	13	57
7	MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough	39	16	9	14	59	49	10	57
8	Bristol CityBristol City	39	14	15	10	49	42	7	57
9	WatfordWatford	39	15	8	16	47	51	-4	53

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Middlesbrough could match unwanted record vs Blackburn Rovers

Middlesbrough are predicted to beat Blackburn by one pundit, while another suggests that the game will be a draw.

Given the Lancashire side’s recent form, it does look as though the Teessiders will be favourites for the three points.

However, Middlesbrough have only won four league games across 2025 so far, and there’s still a chance they will lose.

Should that happen, Carrick will watch an unwanted Boro feat not managed since 2006.

Middlesbrough fell to defeat at Ewood Park in 2023/24, but the North East outfit have not lost consecutive away games against Blackburn since all the way back in December 2006 – a record they will be desperate to continue this weekend.

• READ MORE: Middlesbrough hit with ‘dismal’ verdict as Sunderland and West Brom examples prove Kieran Scott’s failure

Middlesbrough team news ahead of Blackburn

Whiel Midlesbrough have not been at their best in recent weeks, but they should be boosted by a return or two on Friday.

Riley McGree is so important to Boro and returned to the bench last weekend in the victory over Oxford.

Speaking in his pre-Blackburn press conference this week, meanwhile, Carrick provided positive updates on Rav van den Berg, George Edmundson and Dael Fry.

He said: “There’s nothing really new. We are kind of largely what we finished with from the game the other day.

“Some of the boys are getting a bit closer – George is getting a little bit closer, Dael’s getting a little bit closer. So that’s good news.

“With Rav and Riley, it’s obviously managing it a bit. But it’s great to have them back. It’s a big step for them both.

“They’ve had a little bit of training, but to be back in and around. Rav got back on the pitch, so it’s a good step for us. And as I already said, you know, getting George hopefully back and Dael hopefully back then we’re starting to feel a bit stronger again.”

So, all being well, the Teesideers will actually have a fit centre-back available to start versus Blackburn.