Football Results

The Boro currently occupies the eight place in the Championship, while Brighton is 16th in the Premier League. Middlesbrough was more successful in their previous matches, which won three and drew two matches.

Middlesbrough

The two teams met the last time two seasons ago in the Championship and since then both teams underwent significant changes. We need to stress that Middlesbrough had lost two and drew two out of four previous head-to-head with Brighton. On the other hand the Boro won Brigthon away four times in a row. This should be an additional motive to finally defeat them at home, especially as it would mean qualification for the round of 16 of the FA Cup.

In previous round of this cup the Boro eliminated another former Premier League team, Sunderland, while in the Championship it has won five and lost two out of previous seven matches, which put them back in the race for the promotion play-off as they have just two points fewer than sixth placed Sheffield United. Let’s add that near the end of previous year experienced coach Pulis took over the team, who right not has absolutely no problems with absences, which is why against Brighton we expect to see Middlesbrough’s strongest team on the pitch.

Probable lineups Middlesbrough: Randolph – Shotton, Ayala, Gibson, Friend – Howson, Leadbitter – Traore, Downing, Braithwaite – Assombalonga

Brighton

Unlike the Boro, new Premier League team Brigton is in much bleaker mood ahead of this match, given its five-game winless streak in the league of three defeats and two draws. In that period Brighton only won Crystal Palace in the FA Cup. The downfall led them to just one point above the drop zone, which means they have to fully focus on that competition in continuation of season, while in the FA Cup coach Hughton will probably send a combined team on the pitch.

Although, even with such team Brighton should be competitive enough against second-division Middlesbrough but their biggest problem is that they play much better at home than away since the beginning of season. Therefore they have to play more aggressively now if they want to leave Riverside undefeated. Let’s add that due to injury this match will skip midfielder Sidwell, while newly arrived forward Locadie is questionable because of the same reason.

Probable lineups Brighton: Krul – Schelotto, Goldson, Hunemeier, Bong – March, Stephens, Kayal, Izquierdo – Baldock, Murray

Verdict:

Despite that its guests is Premier League team Middlesbrough will do its best in order to win this match, especially as its rival is far more preoccupied at the moment with struggle to survive in the Premier League.

Pick:  Asian handicap -0.25 Middlesbrough 2.0 - 20/10 @1XBet