Former Middlesbrough forward Bernie Slaven thinks Derby could slip up in the race for the fourth and final play-off spot, but doesn't expect them to pay for it.
Frank Lampard's side currently occupy sixth place in the division, leading Boro on goal difference with Bristol City a further point behind, though the Rams have a game in hand when they travel to the Liberty Stadium to face Swansea on Wednesday night before hosting West Brom - who have already secured their play-off place - on the final day.
Discussing the chances of both Derby and Boro with the Teeside Gazette, Slaven suggested that The Rams could still find themselves in trouble in the battle for sixth spot, claiming: "Derby could easily slip up. They may lose one. But Boro might win their game and it might not be enough.
"The biggest kick in the teeth possible now would be to lose out on goal difference."
Slaven believes that it could be Boro's struggles in front of goal that costs them in the battle for the top six, as he said: "If Frank Lampard’s side beat Swansea then it looks like game over.
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"Even if the Rams slipped up on the last day it would still leave Boro needing to win by six or seven goals at Rotherham and that not going to happen. That’s a whole month’s worth in this team."
The former striker is certainly someone who knows about the importance of scoring goals, having found the net 146 times in 381 appearances in a seven-and-a-half year spell with the North East club between 1985 and 1992.
The Verdict
It is hard to argue with Slaven's assertion here. While only Sheffield United have conceded fewer goals this season than Boro, only Stoke, Bolton and Ipswich have scored fewer than Tony Pulis' side, and that tells you all you need to know about where Boro's problems have been.
Derby will know that the top six is in their hands now, and up against a Swansea side feeling flat after blowing their own chances, The Rams will be keen not to let this opportunity pass them by.
Given how Boro looked certainties for a top six place for so much of the season, this is going to be a hugely difficult one to take, even if they do have only themselves to blame.
Thoughts? Let us know!