With just five matches of their season left to play, Boro need to overcome a cavernous eleven points gap on sixth place Bournemouth, who also have a midweek game in hand to play.
Speaking after Saturday's loss, Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock took a pop at the Tykes when questioned on their playing style by a local reporter, and said: “They deserve everything they get for the maximum amount of running that they’re doing but I don’t think my lads would enjoy playing in the team. I don’t think Paddy McNair would fit in or Grant Hall, or Jonny Howson.
“Like I said there’s no divine right, I hope they go up me, I love it here but I’m glad I’ve only got to come once. You have to report on it every week.
“They don’t think about anything but hoofing it straight away do they, there’s no bringing it down and trying to play.”
Next up, Boro will look to bounce back this weekend, when they take on QPR at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday - a game which will be moved from its 3pm original kick-off time so as not to clash with the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Phillip.
“Like I said there’s no divine right, I hope they go up me, I love it here but I’m glad I’ve only got to come once. You have to report on it every week.
5. Richards on the brink of Bayern move
Ex-Bayern Munich technical director Michael Reschke has publicly congratulated the Bavarian giants on signing Reading's Omar Richards, despite a deal having not been announced yet. He's expected to join officially in the summer. (GetReading) Photo: Warren Little
6. Dykes fully focused on the league
QPR striker Lyndon Dykes has revealed he's fully focused on finishing the season strongly with the Hoops, despite Euro 2020 with Scotland waiting on the horizon. He's leading the lines as a solo striker during Charlie Austin's suspension. (Club website) Photo: Justin Setterfield
7. Tykes keen on Payne
Barnsley could be set to move for Swindon Town midfielder Jack Payne. The ex-Huddersfield Town man been in top form despite his side's struggles in League One so far this season, providing four assists and scoring as many goals. (The Sun) Photo: Bryn Lennon
8. Struggling Pearson could be axed
Bristol City owner Steve Lansdown is rumoured to have travelled over to England in order to hold talks with the board over Nigel Pearson's future as manager. He's won just two games in nine since arriving in late February. (Football Insider) Photo: Naomi Baker