Middlesbrough v Southampton: Manager quotes, kick-off time, live TV details

Middlesbrough narrowly missed out on automatic promotion on the final day of the Championship season following Saturday’s draw at Wrexham - but they will now focus on securing a spot in the top flight via the play-offs.

Kim Hellberg’s men ended the season in fifth place in the table as Southampton’s win at Preston North End meant they leapfrogged Boro in the table and ensured the two sides will now meet in the play-off semi-finals. It is Middlesbrough that came out on top in the two meetings of the two sides during the regular season as a Kely Sene equaliser earned them a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s Stadium in late September before a Morgan Whittaker brace and a goal apiece from Sam Silvera and Alan Browne helped them to a 4-0 home win against the Saints in early January.

However, the play-offs can always throw up the unexpected and there is sure to be plenty of drama in both legs of a semi-final tie between two of the best footballing sides in the Championship. So what do we know about Saturday’s first leg on Teesside?

When does the first leg of Middlesbrough’s play-off semi-final with Southampton take place?

The first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final between Middlesbrough and Southampton takes place at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday, May 9. Kick-off is scheduled for 12.30pm.

What has Kim Hellberg said about Middlesbrough v Southampton?

Speaking after Saturday’s draw at Wrexham, the Boro boss said: “We knew there was very little chance of getting in the automatics, but when you know that’s not possible you are not too down. “We are going into the play-offs and this is a great chance for us. Four teams, 25 per cent chance – a brilliant chance – but Southampton are a very good football team. “We’re disappointed we couldn’t win the game, but lots of good things came from it.”

What has Tonda Eckert said about Middlesbrough v Southampton?

Speaking after Saturday’s win at Preston, the Saints boss told BBC Radio Solent: "It was very important to get back to winning ways," Eckert told BBC Radio Solent. "It's not easy to play the game like we did today, especially after the schedule we have had over the last few weeks. The performance was excellent in every regard possible, the boys were fantastic today, we need to make the last step now and we are ready to do that. No-one cares if you go all the way then fall at the last step, the players are the best they have been all season right now, we are ready."

Is Middlesbrough v Southampton live on television?

Yes, Sky Sports will have full match coverage of every single one of the EFL Championship, League One and League Two play-off semi-finals and finals. Saturday’s meeting between Boro and the Saints will be broadcast via the Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event channels. Coverage from the Riverside Stadium will get underway at midday, half an hour before kick-off.

Your next Middlesbrough read: 'Great chance' - Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg has warning for Southampton