Middlesbrough vs Blackpool prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2023-02-03 15:00.
A 2-0 win over promotion rivals Watford saw Middlesbrough move third in the table with Michael Carrickâs ninth win from just 13 league games in charge (D1, L3). The Boro boss piled praise on Man of the Match Cameron Archer, suggesting that the new signingâs âmovement and sharpnessâ created space for eventual scorers Chuba Akpom and Marcus Forss.
With a successful transfer window behind them, notching a fifth straight home league win is imperative for Boro as a couple of tough trips are waiting in the wings. Having played more games than some of their chasers, Boro canât relax in the play-off places just yet, but a nine-goal haul across the last four home league games suggests that this could be another long afternoon for visiting Blackpool, who were well beaten in the reverse (0-3).
With Michael Appleton sacked since the last meeting, veteran boss Mick McCarthy brings the Seasiders to Teesside. Following Blackpoolâs 2-1 FA Cup defeat at Southampton at the weekend, the Irishman spoke of his hope that his old pal Nathan Jones can keep the south coast side up, yet itâs Blackpool's league status that should worry him more, with the Tangerines at risk of ending this round bottom of the table.
Thatâs largely thanks to the Championshipâs longest active winless run of games, stretching all the way back to October 2022 (D4, L6)! The prospect of Blackpool ending their frightful form since Halloween here could be a little better than their huge price suggests though, based on their record at the Riverside Stadium at least, as theyâve lost just one of their six Championship visits here (W2, D3, L1).
Players to watch: Affectionately known as âthe Geordie Pirloâ at his old club Rotherham, Boro debutant Dan Barlaser will hope to build on his joint league-high seven assists this season. Looking to make a difference for Blackpool will be Gary Madine, who has two goals and as many assists across his last seven appearances, although none contributed to wins.
Hot stat: Blackpool have avoided defeat in three of their five away league games when trailing at half-time this season (W1, D2, L2).