Middlesbrough vs Swansea prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2024-04-05 14:00.
[p]Middlesbrough’s seemingly dead play-off ambitions twitched into life a little over the Easter weekend after obtaining a return of four points which, along with many sides above dropping points, have seen Boro move within six points of the top-six. Boss Michael Carrick said that he will “ride the wave” in regards to the top-six race, although they’ll still need some fortuitous results to go their way and a continuation of their own blistering form (W4, D2) to break into the frame.[/p]
[p]A second consecutive game at the Riverside should buoy the Boro, who are seeking a fourth straight unbeaten home league game for the first time since a run of seven between January and March 2023. The omens seem strong for the hosts to do just that, as they’ve also won each of the last three home H2Hs against Swansea City, although a trio of single-goal margins in those games suggests that they are often tested heavily even despite their success.[/p]
[p]Sitting 11 points behind Middlesbrough and seven above the drop zone, the season has essentially fizzled out into mid-table obscurity for Swansea. That feeling was reflected well by their performances over the Easter weekend (D1, L1), failing to beat two sides that are both battling against relegation in the form of QPR and Sheffield Wednesday, the latter of which were soundly beaten 2-0 right here on Teesside last time out. [/p]
[p]Despite their potential lack of motivation other than saving some pride, Swansea have proven difficult to break down on their travels of late, having only been beaten once across their last five trips (W2, D2). Even so, the Welsh outfit have picked up just one of a possible 21 points in away league action against sides beginning this round within the top-nine (D1, L6), conceding at least twice in all of those matches along the way! [/p]
[p]Players to watch: Middlesbrough’s Isaiah Jones scored his first goal since a long injury layoff last time out, meaning that all five of his scoring league appearances this season have come in wins. As for Swansea, Jamal Lowe was their latest scorer on Good Friday and he also hit their only goal in the reverse fixture, a 2-1 loss.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Swansea are unbeaten in 56% of their away league games as pre-match outsiders this season (W5, D5, L8). [/p]