Brentford vs Middlesbrough Predictions

Team news update: Since the publication of this preview it’s been confirmed that Middlesbrough have been rocked by a COVID-19 outbreak. Speaking ahead of the match, Boro manager Neil Warnock said: “Yes it will be a weakened side, probably 50% of the squad with be Under-23s, but that will be supplemented by the first team lads.”

• Brentford have lost just once in their last 17 games, a 2-0 loss to Spurs in the EFL Cup.
• Middlesbrough have won four of their last six games and sit one place outside the playoff places.
• Brentford have averaged 1.63 goals per game in the league this season and are in fourth position.
• Middlesbrough have averaged 1.27 goals in the league so far this season.

Promotion chasers meet at Brentford Community Stadium

The FA Cup is likely to be a bit of an afterthought for both of these sides as they remain focused on the league with both harbouring promotion ambitions.

Brentford are in the midst of a great run at the moment, going 15 games unbeaten in the league and only tasting defeat once since the end of October, with their 2-0 loss to Spurs in the EFL Cup in midweek being the only blemish on their record in that time.

Middlesbrough have been in decent form themselves recently, winning four of their last six and sitting outside the playoffs by just one point. They’ve had some disappointing results however with losses against Sheffield Wednesday and Preston keeping them from jumping into the top six.

Both of these are likely to see this match as a bit of an inconvenience and there could be changes in personnel for both sides. This could lead to quite a stoic game between the two and goals might be at a premium as a result. We’re predicting that to see the 2.5 goal line untroubled and are backing the game to see under 2.5 goals.

It could be a slender win for either side with both having the potential to find a goal and then shut up shop. We make Brentford the slight favourites with their home advantage though and we’re backing them to pick up a 1-0 win.