Middlesbrough, England — Middlesbrough and Plymouth Argyle go head-to-head at the Riverside Stadium on April 18, 2025, at 3 PM UK time. Both teams are pushing hard for results as they battle through the Championship’s final stretch, with Middlesbrough aiming for playoffs while Plymouth fights to avoid relegation.
Middlesbrough’s recent performance has been shaky, suffering back-to-back defeats against Millwall and Leeds United. These losses have seen them drop out of the playoff positions with just four games remaining in the season. According to manager Michael Carrick, “We have to focus on getting our form back. Every match counts now.”
Currently sitting three points adrift of the final playoff spot, Middlesbrough remains in contention thanks to a solid goal difference of plus-10. Their upcoming opponents, Plymouth Argyle, have been struggling, sitting at the bottom of the table, level on points with Luton Town. Plymouth’s recent victory over Sheffield United, where they made a stunning comeback, is boosting their morale. Manager Steven Schumacher stated, “We are fighting till the end, and we believe we can turn things around.”
Plymouth, however, has a dismal away record, with only one victory in 21 matches this season, which does not bode well for their chances against a desperate Boro side. Conceding a staggering 82 goals, the Green Army will need to tighten their defense. “Defensive lapses have cost us dearly. We need a solid performance,” said Schumacher.
In head-to-head battles, Middlesbrough has won just two out of the last nine encounters against Plymouth. The visitors have enjoyed success at the Riverside, winning their last two matches there, including a significant 2-0 win last February. Good Friday matches have not favored Boro historically, with only 11 wins in 51 games on this date.
In terms of injuries, Middlesbrough is missing key players, including Liverpool loanee Harry Wilson, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Additional absentees include a few defenders and midfielders that could affect the team’s stability. For Plymouth, Ukrainian defender and key player is also out with injury, impacting their lineup.
Middlesbrough is expected to field a lineup featuring goalkeeper Travers and strikers like Iheanacho, while Plymouth’s possible starting eleven includes Hazard, Katic, and Hardie leading the attack.
This clash is pivotal for both teams, with Middlesbrough looking to reclaim a playoff spot and Plymouth striving to escape the relegation zone. The outcome will not only affect their positions on the table but also their spirits as they head into the season’s critical final weeks.
