Middlesbrough vs Derby Predictions

• Middlesbrough are conceding an average of just 0.86 goals per game in their home league games.
• Derby, despite their spirited form, are scoring just 0.66 goals per away league match.
• Just two of the hosts 15 home games have been draws, suggesting there will be a victor here.

Electric atmosphere anticipated

Chris Wilders men come into this one in impressive form and the Riverside Stadium has turned into something of a fortress as the hosts have won all of their last five games to take place there. They’ve also conceded just once across the last 459 minutes of action on home soil. This one looks to have an electric atmosphere, especially given the legal proceedings taking place between the two clubs but the Boro are rightly favourites here.

You can’t help but applaud the job that Wayne Rooney is doing at Derby County. Deducted 21 points at the start of the season, many expected them to have no chance of overcoming that deficit and as a result, be the bottom side and head straight to League One. But they’re putting up a tremendous fight and are just five points from safety heading into this matchday. However, the majority of their good form has come at home and have somewhat struggled in their away fixtures, winning just two of their 15 road games so far this season.

Hosts to clinch victory

Whilst Wayne Rooney deserves the plaudits, it would be a bit of a shock if they were to rock up at Teeside and not be handed a defeat. If Derby concede first, as they have done in five of their last seven games, it could mean curtains given that the Rams have failed to win each of their last 21 away league games when conceding the opener. We’re expecting the hosts to win a close encounter here.