Sheffield Wednesday vs Middlesbrough Predictions

• Sheffield Wednesday have won only two of their last nine league games, losing four of the last six
• Middlesbrough have won four of their last five away games
• Boro have failed to score in only one of their last eight away games, netting two or more on five occasions

Wednesday showing signs of fatigue

Sheffield Wednesday have won only two of their last nine league games, losing four of their past six, and after struggling here all season they may be vulnerable at home to a Middlesbrough side yet to secure their Championship status.

Worryingly for Garry Monk, Wednesday are shipping far too many goals. The Owls conceded five in defeat at Fulham last time out and prior to that had shipped three goals in home reverses to West Brom and Preston. On top of that, Sheffield Wednesday have won only seven of their 22 home league games, scoring only 18 goals along the way.

In fact, the Owls have won only one of their last 12 home games in all competitions and they were held to a goalless draw by a relegation-threatened Huddersfield in their last Hillsborough outing, a game where they had only 40 per cent possession and four shots on target.

Boro can secure their survival

Middlesbrough may still need a point to secure their Championship status but they can claim all three on their trip to Sheffield Wednesday. Boro were thumped 4-1 by the Owls earlier in the season but they have improved markedly since Neil Warnock’s appointment and have won four of their last five away games.

Boro have failed to score in only one of their last eight away encounters, netting two or more on five occasions, including recent victories at Stoke, Millwall and Reading.

Warnock’s side were particularly impressive in the latest 2-1 at Reading, limiting the Royals to only shot on target. They were competitive for large spells of Saturday’s 3-1 defeat at home to Cardiff, too, having more shots on target but lacking the quality of their promotion-chasing visitors.

Boro, who have blossomed since reverting to two up front with Britt Assombalonga partnered by Ashley Fletcher, appear to be playing with real freedom on the road so our first prediction is for them to maintain their excellent away form at Sheffield Wednesday.

Owls can make their mark

Both teams have scored in each of Middlesbrough’s last three league games against Bristol City, Reading and Cardiff and we are expecting the trend to continue at Sheffield Wednesday.

Boro have netted two or more on five occasions and our prediction is them to win 2-1 – the same score they beat Reading by in their last away trip.

Wednesday are faltering but they were involved in an eight-goal thriller at highflying Fulham last time out and can grab a consolation. Both teams have scored in the last three meetings between the pair at Hillsborough, with Middlesbrough winning the last two trips to Wednesday 2-1.