Middlesbrough – West Brom

Middlesbrough secured a 3‑1 victory at home over West Brom, extending their lead in the tight promotion race. The win moved the hosts to fifth place with 13 points from six games, while the visitors slipped to fourth with 14 points, leaving only a single point separating the two clubs. Middlesbrough’s four wins and one draw contrast with West Brom’s four wins and two draws, and the result widened the goal‑difference gap to +5 for the home side (12‑8) against West Brom’s +3 (10‑7). Having already beaten the opposition once this season, Middlesbrough now holds the head‑to‑head advantage, a factor that could prove decisive as the campaign progresses.