Middlesbrough vs Rotherham prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2024-01-19 15:00.
Whilst many predicted that Middlesbrough would struggle last weekend after giving so much in their EFL Cup semi-final victory over Chelsea, Michael Carrick’s men kept the good times rolling with a comfortable 3-1 win away to Millwall. That result brought Boro to within a point of the top-six and whilst they did have to overcome a 1-0 deficit, the full debuts of new boys Luke Ayling and Finn Azaz served as a welcome boost.
But a Riverside return isn’t necessarily a guaranteed boost for Boro, who have lost three of their last four home league games (W1). Their fixtures have thrown up a mix of all-or-nothing results here, highlighted by the fact they have not played out a home league stalemate across their last 11 in front of their own fans (W6, L5) – the third longest ongoing such streak in the division.
Looking to add to Boro’s disappointing recent home run are rock-bottom Rotherham, who have not won a game since winning the reverse on Boxing Day to pick up their final three-point haul of 2023 (D2, L2 since). The Millers have failed to score in back-to-back games ahead of this one and despite edging Boro out 1-0 in the reverse, they head here as long outsiders.
It is difficult to make a case for Rotherham surviving the season with an eight-point gap to make up ahead of the round. That situation may yet be worse come 5pm, especially as they’ve failed to score in four of the last five away H2Hs (W1, D3, L1). Rotherham are also one of only two sides yet to win an away league game this season (D3, L10), whilst eight of those losses were accompanied by a multi-goal margin.
Key battle: Boro’s fine Finnish finisher Marcus Forss announced his return from injury with a goal despite only coming on in the 88th minute last weekend – his third goal of the season beyond the 80th minute. Trying to stop him will be Rotherham defender Cohen Bramall, whose goal against Middlesbrough gave his side their only win since October.
Hot stat: Rotherham have failed to win six of their nine league games in which they scored first this season (W3, D4, L2).