Swansea City vs Middlesbrough Prediction: Teams need some wins for playoff race

Swansea City will welcome Middlesbrough at Swansea.com Stadium in Game Week 22 of the English Championship. Both teams need some wins to be in the playoff race. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?

Swansea recently made the decision to part ways with Michael Duff after a short tenure as head coach. However, under interim boss Alan Sheehan, the team has shown promising results, earning four points in matches against Rotherham United and Stoke City, who are potential rivals for relegation. The club will soon appoint a permanent head coach and will be relieved to have established a five-point gap ahead of the bottom three teams. Despite some recent struggles, Swansea has only suffered two defeats in their last eight games, both away matches against Ipswich Town and Leeds United. With upcoming home games against Middlesbrough and Preston North End, Swansea has an opportunity to move up the standings before the new year. 

While Yannick Bolasie's playing time may be limited to just an hour, there is a possibility that he could start in a more creative role. Despite being substituted at halftime in the previous game against Stoke, Charlie Patino should retain his place in the team, with Jamal Lowe most likely being dropped. 

The potential starting lineup for Swansea City could be Rushworth; Key, Cabango, Darling, Tymon; Fulton, Grimes; Paterson, Patino, Bolasie; Yates. 

Middlesbrough seems to be in a precarious position under manager Michael Carrick. The team has only won eight of their last 26 Championship games, with a six-game winning streak earlier this season. The positive atmosphere at the Riverside Stadium has faded with three consecutive defeats against Leeds United, Ipswich Town, and Hull City. Although Carrick is highly regarded as a young manager, Middlesbrough is far from being a promotion contender at this stage. This period will be crucial for Carrick if he wants to keep his job.

Although Carrick expressed satisfaction with Boro's performance against Hull, he should still consider making several changes. Matt Clarke could make a comeback in the defence, with Rav van den Berg moving to right-back in place of Anfernee Dijksteel. Morgan Rogers is expected to return in the attacking third, and Josh Coburn's fitness will be assessed as he deals with minor injuries.

Middlesbrough's possible starting lineup may consist of Dieng; Van den Berg, Fry, Clarke, Engel; Howson, Barlaser; Jones, Crooks, Rogers; Lath.

Swansea City enters this match with momentum and their fans will anticipate another positive outcome. However, Boro, under Carrick's management, are in need of a new winning streak and their determination may help them get back on track. Expect both teams to score in this game.