Birmingham vs Middlesbrough Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips

Birmingham vs Middlesbrough Preview

Middlesbrough continue their surge up the table in a bid for a promotion place against an out-of-sorts Birmingham City at the St Andrew’s Stadium. The home side have been off their game this term with them currently sitting in 21st place and only a point separating them from the relegation zone. Things could get worse as they’ve won only one out of their last five games, losing three and nicking a point off Hully City.

They have already lost 17 games this season and with only ten wins to their name, things could get much much worse for Tony Mowbray and his squad. On the flip side, Boro seems to have found their footing again after a four-game winless streak at the end of January. They did go on to lose two out of their next five games and walked into St Andrews Stadium, having won two on the trot. It means that they haven’t completely given up on the challenge for a promotion place even if it may be out of their reach.

That’s because eight points separates them and 6th place Norwich City which means that manager Michael Carrick will need a minor miracle for things to go his way.

Birmingham vs Middlesbrough team news

Birmingham City team news

Tony Mowbray will be without captain Dion Sanderson as he serves the final of his three-match suspension against Middlesbrough. They’ll also be without Krystian Bielik, who is set to only be fully fit for selection after the international break. However, the Blues will welcome back Ethan Laird and Andre Dozzell, who were rested at The Den over the weekend and should be fit to start.

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Middlesbrough team news

Boro boss Michael Carrick, on the other hand, has seen his side struggle with injuries as they will be without Hayden Hackney. The 21-year-old suffered a knee injury in the middle of last month and is not fully fit to start just yet. He is not the only one as key defenders Dael Fry, Alex Bangura and Darragh Lenihan are also injured and not available.

Birmingham vs Middlesbrough Predicted Lineups

Birmingham City

Despite the fact that they lost against Millwall last time around, there are only a few changes that manager Tony Mowbray should make to his squad.

Predicted XI: John Ruddy; Ethan Laird, Emanuel Aiwu, Marc Roberts, Lee Buchanan; Andre Dozzell, Seung-ho Paik; Jordan James, Alex Pritchard, Leandro Bacuna; Jay Stansfield

Middlesbrough

Unlike his counterpart, Michael Carrick won’t be forced into a few changes and while he may make a few tweaks, the core of his squad should remain the same.

Predicted XI: Seny Dieng; Paddy McNair, Rav Van den Berg, Matt Clarke; Luke Ayling, Jonathan Howson, Lewis O’Brien, Lukas Engel, Riley McGree; Emanuel Latte Lath, Marcus Forss

Birmingham vs Middlesbrough Head-to-Head

Played: 76; Birmingham City: 26, Middlesbrough: 32, Draw: 18

Middlesbrough 1-0 Birmingham City (Championship)

Birmingham City 1-3 Middlesbrough (Championship)

Middlesbrough 1-0 Birmingham City (Championship)

Birmingham City 0-2 Middlesbrough (Championship)

Middlesbrough 0-2 Birmingham City (Championship)

Birmingham vs Middlesbrough Prediction

While Birmingham City’s home form does give them somewhat of a chance against Middlesbrough, Michael Carrick’s side have discovered a nice vein of form. However, Boro are yet to fully tap into that vein that offers the Blues a chance but their struggles in this particular fixture could tilt the scales in favour of their opposition.

Prediction: Birmingham City 1-2 Middlesbrough

Birmingham vs Middlesbrough Betting Tips

Betting tips:

Middlesbrough win.

Both teams to score: Yes.

Over 3.5 goals: No

Odds:

Birmingham City: 1.75

Draw: 2.65

Middlesbrough: 1.55

Birmingham vs Middlesbrough Timings & Telecast

• St. Andrew’s – 12th March – 1945 GMT
• India: No coverage
• United Kingdom: Sky Sports / TNT Sports / ITV & BBC
• US: ESPN+

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