Riverside Stadium is the stage for a vital Championship match this Saturday when Middlesbrough entertain Derby in a game that means a lot to both teams as they try to arrest their poor run of results. Middlesbrough, who are 11th with 47 points, are eager to bring to an end a five-game losing streak that has halted their mid-table challenge. Derby, 23rd with 29 points, are desperate to avoid dropping into the bottom three.
Historically, Middlesbrough have controlled this game, remaining unbeaten in their previous four home games against Derby and winning 13 of their previous 20 at the Riverside. The most common scoreline in those games has been 2-0 to Middlesbrough, but Derby's previous victory at this ground in 2017 reminds us of the mercurial nature of football.
Both teams enter this match in bad form. Middlesbrough ended a run of five games without a win by finally picking up three points in a 3-1 away win over Stoke in midweek. Derby's winless streak is 12 games long. Tommy Conway leads Middlesbrough's goal chart with nine, despite their home average scoring rate being 1.52 goals per game. Derby's Jerry Yates has netted seven goals this season, although the team has been abysmal in front of goal, failing to score in six of their last away matches.
The stakes in this encounter are high. A Middlesbrough victory would continue their season revival and solidify their position, while Derby urgently need points to be safe from another survival crisis.
Betting Predictions
Primary Bet: Home Win @ 1.65
Secondary Bet: Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.91
Middlesbrough's superior home record against Derby is a good case for the Home Win option. The home team have taken 13 of their last 20 home games against the Rams and have also enjoyed an unbroken string of four previous meetings at the Riverside.
Although Boro are struggling through their run of five on the trot Championship defeats, Derby's record at away, which has included the loss of their last 10 away fixtures, heavily backs playing the home team at such odds.
Both clubs' current defensive frailty, as evident through recent outings, and history of productive fixtures strongly back backing Over 2.5 Goals. Boro have been shattered in all their last five games, and Derby's defense has been relentlessly vulnerable throughout the year.
Statistical precedent favors this pick, with contests between these sides averaging 2.4 goals, in combination with Middlesbrough's solid home rate of 1.52 goals per game. Both sides have been having trouble putting the finishing touches on recent performances, but Derby's urgency for points in an open affair makes the 1.91 odds particularly alluring.
Editorial Pick
Middlesbrough put Stoke to the sword on Tuesday and should do the same against another relegation-stricken side in Derby this weekend as they look to put their promotion hopes back into view.
