West Ham v Middlesbrough
Premier League
Sunday May 24, 4pm
LAST MEETING: Middlesbrough 2-0 West Ham (25-02-09) The Hammers were dumped out of the FA Cup in the fifth round by two early strikes from Stewart Downing and Tuncay Sanli.
LAST TIME AT UPTON PARK: West Ham 1-1 Middlesbrough (14-02-09) A late Herita Ilunga goal – his first for the club – earned a replay for the Irons after Downing had given Boro a 22nd minute lead.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: West Ham 24 wins, Middlesbrough 24 wins, 13 draws FORM: Boro must win at Upton Park and hope Newcastle and Hull lose on the final day of the season if they are to stand any chance of beating the dreaded drop. A disastrous run of just one win in 11 games has seen Gareth Southgate's men fall to 19th place.
DANGER MAN: Stewart Downing remains the brightest light in a team otherwise emitting a dull glow. His pace and crossing ability, aligned with his threat from dead ball scenarios, will ensure he is a handful for the Hammers' defence.
FUN FACT: Boro were originally formed by Middlesbrough Cricket team, who wanted to stay fit by playing football during the winter. They eventually turned professional permanently in 1899.
PREDICITON: West Ham 2 Middlesbrough 2
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