Middlesbrough vs Preston Prediction and Betting Tips | 14th September, 2024

Middlesbrough take on Preston on Saturday in their fifth game of the EFL Championship campaign. While Boro have won two of their opening four matches, Preston have emerged victorious in one.

Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough are coming off a 2-0 win at Cardiff City in their previous meeting just before the international break. Second-half strikes from Matthew Clarke and an own goal from Aaron Ramsey proved to be Cardiff's undoing.

With seven points from four games, Carrick's side are seventh in the standings, five off leaders Sunderland, who are perfect so far.

Meanwhile, Paul Heckingbottom's Preston are fresh off a 3-1 loss at newly promoted Oxford United before the international break. After Emil Riis Jacobsen's third-minute opener for Preston, Oxford responded thrice without reply. The loss leaves the Lilywhites are languishing in 21st place in the standings, hovering just a point and a place above the relegation zone.

On that note, here's a look at the head-to-head and key numbers, match prediction, and betting tips of the Middlesbrough-Preston Championship clash at the Riverside Stadium.

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Middlesbrough vs Preston head-to-head and key numbers

• In 109 meetings across competitions, Middlesbrough lead Preston 49-35, but the Lilywhites won their last match 2-1 at home in the Championship in February this year.
• The Boro have won two of their last six meetings with Preston, losing four.
• Middlesbrough have two wins and as many defeats in their last five competitive home outings.
• Preston have won just once in their last five road games, losing four.
• Form guide (last five games across competitions, most recent result first): Middlesbrough: W-L-D-L-W; Preston: L-W-W-L-W

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Middlesbrough vs Preston prediction

The two sides have had contrasting starts to their league campaigns. Boro have made the better start, while Preston are perilously hovering just above the relegation zone.

Carrick's side have dominated their head-to-head with Preston but haven't won consecutive league games in the fixture since 1968. However, Boro will fancy their hopes of a win, as seven of the last eight head-to-head games in the fixture have been won by the home team.

Since last season, Preston have lost eight of their last nine Championship games, and things haven't gone right for them this campaign as well. Their 10 shots on target after four games is the lowest in the division, so we expect a win for Boro.

Prediction: Middlesbrough 2-1 Preston

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Middlesbrough vs Preston betting tips

Tip-1: Middlesbrough to win

Tip-2: Boro to keep a clean sheet: No (They have had one shutout in four games across competitions.)

Tip-3: Over 2.5 goals: Yes (Their last six meetings have produced at least three goals.)