Middlesbrough vs Preston Betting Tips & Predictions

Middlesbrough have found some form at just the right time and once again they are looking a good bet to end their absence from the Premier League. Three wins on the spin including a crucial late 1-0 win over promotion rivals Hull has put them on the right track again and they have closed the gap to leaders Burnley to just 1 point. In addition Boro have a game in hand on the Clarets, which is also at home against Reading next Tuesday. They will be targeting 6 points from these 2 games and if they can get them then there could very well be a promotion party in the Teesside area in the non too distant future.

Preston might be able to afford themselves a few celebrations come the end of the season too with a safe mid-table position looking likely in their first year back in the 2nd tier. They suffered a disappointing defeat in midweek though losing 2-1 at home to Fulham but they have won their last two away games at Lancashire rivals Blackburn and Bolton by the same margin. They have only lost 2 of their last 8 Championship away matches so Boro will have to work for the win here.

Both sides are strong at the back. Middlesbrough have the best defensive record in the division and have kept 13 home clean sheets this season and are yet to concede more than once at home in the league. Preston have the best defensive record outside the top six so there aren’t likely to be many goals in this but the hosts certainly look the more likely winners given they’ve won their last 3 matches and all of their last 4 at home. Therefore consider backing Middlesbrough to win 1-0 at 4/1.