Middlesbrough's prolific attack faces a defining test this week when they host struggling Charlton Athletic at the Riverside. The Championship leaders will be determined to prove their improved efficiency against a low block and avenge a painful defeat from last season.
Michael Duff's side sit top of the table with 25 points from 12 games, holding a two-point lead over Swansea. Their recent form is strong, unbeaten in five with three wins and two draws. This includes a 5-1 demolition of Bolton Wanderers last time out, where Will Lankshear scored twice to take his season tally to 11 goals in 12 appearances. That firepower will be central to their plans against a Charlton team in dire straits.
A painful memory
The significance of this fixture is heightened by the memory of last season's meeting. Middlesbrough dominated that game, registering 86 touches in the opposition penalty area and 34 shots. Yet only seven were on target and they failed to score, succumbing to a 1-0 defeat after Conor Coady converted from a long throw. It was a classic example of failing to break down a stubborn, deep-lying defence despite overwhelming possession and chance creation.
That experience informed the club's summer priorities. The aim was to equip the squad with the tools to avoid repeating such failures in tight games. The emergence of Amario Cozier-Duberry, whose ability to unpick a low block was a specific attraction, and the clinical form of Lankshear are seen as key solutions.
Charlton's defensive woes
On paper, Charlton present the perfect opponent for Middlesbrough to demonstrate their progress. The visitors are winless in nine matches and sit 23rd in the expected goals standings. They have conceded seven goals in their last three outings and have failed to score in nine consecutive games. Statistically, they average just 2.6 shots on target per match, the worst figure in the division.
They have taken only a single point from their last three games against Burnley, Watford and Norwich. This defensive fragility contrasts sharply with the ambition shown by other visitors to the Riverside this season, such as Cardiff City, Wolves and West Brom.
Manager Michael Duff will be keen to ensure his team does not fall into the same trap of overplaying without penetration. The recent 2-2 draw with Cardiff at home serves as a sign that points can be dropped even when creating chances.
Middlesbrough's attack has been far more ruthless this campaign, scoring 27 goals already. The partnership between Lankshear and Cozier-Duberry, who combined for a goal against Cardiff, is a major reason. Lankshear's knack for being in the right place has turned promising build-up into tangible results.
The team heads into the match on the back of that emphatic 5-1 win at Bolton, where Aidan Morris, Cozier-Duberry and Lankshear all found the net. That result extended their unbeaten run and stays at the summit.
All focus now turns to Friday night under the Riverside lights. Middlesbrough host Charlton Athletic on 31 October, aiming to consolidate their place at the top of the Championship.
More detail at uk.sports.yahoo.com
