Big claim made about Middlesbrough and the Championship promotion race after positive start

Pundit Jobi McAnuff has backed Middlesbrough as his favorites for Championship promotion, claiming that any team finishing above them will secure automatic promotion. Speaking on the +72 Podcast, McAnuff praised the work of manager Kim Hellberg, noting that Boro have established themselves as one of the standout teams in the second tier despite missing star striker Will Lankshear in recent games.

Middlesbrough entered the international break sitting second in the Championship after 15 games, trailing leaders Birmingham City on goal difference alone. McAnuff also highlighted the competitive nature of the league, noting that relegated clubs have struggled while teams like Birmingham City and Stoke City have exceeded early-season expectations.