McLean: Lankshear's form raises Middlesbrough promotion stakes
BBC pundit Aaron McLean analyses Will Lankshear's impact, West Ham's home troubles, Southampton's revival, Luton's promotion credentials and Fleetwood's cup boost.
Will Lankshear's two goals in Middlesbrough's 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic took his tally to 13 in 13 league games since his £20m summer move from Tottenham, and lifted Boro two points clear at the top of the Championship. Pundit Aaron McLean told BBC Sport that Lankshear has the 'X-factor' and that promotion is essential if Middlesbrough are to keep him, warning that his form will attract bigger clubs and inflate his price tag. McLean added that an England call-up is premature, suggesting Lankshear should first finish as the Championship's top scorer and reach the Premier League.
West Ham United's home problems deepened with a second successive Saturday defeat at the London Stadium, this time 3-0 to West Bromwich Albion. All three of their Championship losses this season have come at home. McLean said the squad appears unable to handle the pressure of playing before 60,000 fans, with the supporter base divided over manager Nuno Espirito Santo. He questioned why West Ham concede early goals and fail to score at home, suggesting opponents may sense a soft underbelly and enjoy the venue, which he said is 'not a fortress'.
Southampton's 4-1 win over QPR left them fifth in the Championship, and McLean believes the club was right to keep Tonda Eckert despite last season's Spygate controversy. He noted that Southampton have overcome a four-point deduction and would otherwise be second, and praised the squad's unity and siege mentality. James Ward-Prowse has recaptured his old form, while James Bree, back from loan, is excelling, McLean added.
Luton Town's 2-0 win at Peterborough United made it four straight League One wins and lifted them to fourth before Tuesday's trip to leaders Huddersfield Town. McLean said Luton are not yet top-two contenders, pointing to Huddersfield, Stockport and Bradford as more consistent, though he acknowledged Luton's capability and the necessity of promotion under Jack Wilshere.
Fleetwood Town followed their Carabao Cup penalty shootout win over Arsenal with a 3-1 home victory over Bristol Rovers, a vital result after five defeats in seven league games. McLean said the club is 'bouncing' and stressed the importance of collecting points in the six league fixtures before the quarter-final against Everton, to ensure the cup run does not hinder their League Two campaign.
