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Yet again, Michael Carrick is facing a tough battle to secure a play-off place for Middlesbrough, with their latest test a meeting with Oxford United.
Since taking over as Middlesbrough manager, Michael Carrick has guided Boro to fourth and seventh-place finishes.
2023/24 saw the Teesiders miss out on the top six by just four points and they could suffer similar heartbreak this season.
Pressure is mounting on Carrick, while Middlesbrough’s January transfer window was dubbed a disaster.
Prior to the international break, the North East outfit drew 0-0 with relegation-threated Luton Town, leaving them eighth in the division going into their meeting with Oxford United this week.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 6 |  West BromWest Brom | 38 | 13 | 18 | 7 | 48 | 34 | 14 | 57 |
| 7 |  Bristol CityBristol City | 38 | 14 | 15 | 9 | 49 | 41 | 8 | 57 |
| 8 |  MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough | 38 | 15 | 9 | 14 | 57 | 48 | 9 | 54 |
| 9 |  BlackburnBlackburn | 38 | 15 | 7 | 16 | 42 | 40 | 2 | 52 |
| 10 |  WatfordWatford | 38 | 15 | 7 | 16 | 47 | 51 | -4 | 52 |
- READ MORE: Future of Middlesbrough star Finn Azaz now revealed after Crystal Palace scout in-form midfielder
Riley McGree could return for Middlesbrough vs Oxford
Just three points separate Boro and the top-six but with only three wins since the turn of the year in the league, it’s imperative their form improves quickly if they are to close the gap on former manager Tony Mowbray and his West Brom side.
Middlesbrough clash with Oxford United in a Championship meeting at 3pm on Saturday and when the team news drops at 2pm, there will hopefully be a shock inclusion.
Midfielder Riley McGree has been out of action for Boro’s previous 12 Championship fixtures.
However, when speaking in his pre-Oxford press conference this week, Carrick seemed to hint there’s a chance McGree, along with Rav van den Berg, could make his return on Saturday.
He said: “Rav has trained with us in a small capacity this week so far, so he’s made a good step towards that.
“Riley has trained a bit with us as well so that’s two going in the right direction.
“We’ll see for Saturday. It’s a bit of a step for that but we’ll see.
Middlesbrough record with and without Riley McGree
In the Australian’s absence, Middlesbrough have been using transfer flop Kelechi Iheanacho out of position.
However, given how bad he’s been since signing, it makes sense for McGree to come back in on the left and Finn Azaz to revert back into his natural 10 role.
This would surely boost Middlesbrough’s chances of securing a promotion place in the final weeks of the campaign, given how much better they are with McGree in the team.
In 2024/25, the Teesiders have picked up just six wins in the 22 matches the 26-year-old has not featured.
In comparison, when he has played some part, Middlesbrough have won seven in 16.