Tactical execution will take center stage as Middlesbrough and Brentford both look to gain the upper hand in the first leg of their Championship semi-final play-off Friday night at Griffin Park.
Boro’s high-pressing defense stymied the Bees’ slick build from the passing attack during their two confrontations in the regular season, winning both matches by a combined score of 5-0.
Middlesbrough are not without their concerns, however, as leading scorer Patrick Bamford, a Chelsea loanee, is an injury concern for Friday’s clash, according to Middlesbrough's official website. The club will have to steel their resolve after stumbles in the final weeks of the season caused them to miss out on automatic promotion.