Southampton vs Middlesbrough prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2024-03-28 15:00.
[p]Although a yawning eight-point gap separates Southampton from the automatic promotion places, the fact they have games in hand over the rest of the promotion chasing sides suggests they’re still in with a puncher’s chance of a top-two finish. Closing that gap must begin by avenging their 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough in the reverse fixture, or else they face the ignominy of a losing league double against the Teessiders for the first time in 20 years.[/p]
[p]In order to complete their own biblical revival starting on Good Friday, Southampton must aim to post back-to-back home wins for the first time since their run of 11 straight victories here between the back end of October and mid-February. Shoring up the defence will be key as Southampton have now conceded at least twice in each of their last four home outings (W2, L2), although they made light work of their most recent visitors, Boro’s close neighbours Sunderland (W4-2). [/p]
[p]There has been plenty for Michael Carrick and his men to ponder over the international break after a drab 0-0 draw against Blackburn prior to it halted what looked like an unlikely late play-off push (W3, D1). They are still mathematically in with a chance as the distance to the top-six stands at seven points, although games are swiftly running out for the Teessiders to close that gap.[/p]
[p]Playing away from home shouldn’t faze Boro too much after winning three of their last four road trips (L1), whilst their positive record at any venue against top-four opposition should provide a further psychological boost (W3, L2). However, Good Friday isn’t always a positive omen for Middlesbrough, who have only won three of their 34 historical away games played on this day of the year (D11, L20). [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Southampton’s Adam Armstrong has been involved in a league-high 29 goals this season (G18, A11), with no player scoring more league goals for the Saints since Danny Ings netted 22 in 2019/20. As for Boro, Emmanuel Latte Lath has either scored (G2) or received a yellow card (YC3) in each of his last five appearances. [/p]
[p]Hot stat: Middlesbrough have scored as many goals between 46’-60’ (11) as they have in the entire first-half of their away league games this season. [/p]