Brentford manager Mark Warburton looked ahead to Friday’s Play-Off Semi-Final in a confident mood despite his side trailing by one goal going into the second leg tie at The Riverside Stadium.
“The fact is that we have to go there, be positive, dominate the football and score goals,” said Mark.
“It’s a tough place to go, they are an excellent team, well organised; we know that – so are we.”
The team return to the North East eight months after their previous visit, which saw them concede four goals without reply.
Rather than hide from the result, Mark has used the game as a reference point throughout the season.
“It is a game we’ve used time and time again,” said Mark.
“On that day our standards dropped and we got punished.
“We’ve used it week-in, week-out that if you don’t maintain your levels, then you’ll get hurt in this division, but it’s served us well all this season, so we know what we have to do.”
Mark revealed to Bees Player that he will be looking to exploit weaknesses in Boro’s play from the first leg and apply that positively for the Riverside rematch tomorrow evening.
“It’s up to us to recognise where we think we can make some subtle changes and hoping they impact the game,” said Mark.
“They are a physically imposing team; they have height and physicality.
“We have technically gifted players who are comfortable in possession who want the ball all the time and you don’t always get six foot three players doing that; it’s about maximising what you’ve got.
“They are a tough team [with] good set piece delivery, and we have to not give away cheap free kicks and corners, defend well and get that first contact.”
Ticket sales for both sides have been strong for the game with the home side expecting a sell-out crowd.
“I know there will be a packed stadium with a tremendous atmosphere,” said Mark.
“It’s a great footballing venue; I’m not worried about Middlesbrough in terms of how they are going to prepare, we just have to prepare well and hope we do things right, that’s all we can do.”
The Brentford boss paid tribute to the 2,000 visiting supporters making the trip to Teeside.
“It’s not cheap following the team over those distances,” said Mark.
“It’s a magnificent effort and I want to stress that the staff and players never underestimate the sacrifies are made in support of the team, that’s really appreciated.
“We have to feed off their atmosphere, go and enjoy playing in front of 35,000 fans in a big stadium.
“But the aim is to keep them quiet by 65-70 minutes and see what we can do.
“It’s about rising to the challenge and they are a group of players who we know have done that all season- and last season – and they are hungry for more.”