Middlesbrough vs Manchester City Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Middlesbrough fell to yet another Premier League defeat last weekend at the hands of Stoke, pushing them into the bottom three and leaving them three points from the safety of 17th position. It’s no surprise given their recent performances in the league, but in the FA Cup they have largely been afforded favourable ties until now.

Their overall form has seen them win two, draw three, and lose four of their last nine matches in all competitions, with both victories being in the FA Cup. Those wins against Accrington Stanley and Oxford United followed on from a win at home to Sheffield United.

All of these saw a few goals or more go in, but that hasn’t been Middlesbrough’s style in their league football. They have shown to be a very defensive side and have kept a clean sheet in seven of their last 12 matches in all competitions. Unfortunately for them their attacking play doesn’t complement this.

Manchester City couldn’t find their own rhythm in midweek as they drew 0-0 at home to Stoke, missing out on the chance to go 2nd in the Premier League and leaving them behind Spurs on goal difference.

This does extend their unbeaten streak to ten matches in all competitions, seven of which have been wins. This includes a stunning 5-3 win against Monaco in the Champions League, but they face a trip to the in form French side on Wednesday so one of Pep Guardiola’s eyes could be firmly fixed on that.

Away from home Manchester City are unbeaten in five matches in all competitions, but their one failure to win during this spell did come in the FA Cup as they were held to a goalless draw at Huddersfield Town.

They have kept a clean sheet in all five of these games, and only one side has found the net in each of Manchester City’s last nine away days. Middlesbrough have only seen both teams score in three of their last 13 home game as well, so odds of 4/5 for Both Teams Not to Score look good value for money. I’m backing that along with a 2-0 win for Manchester City at 6/1 for my correct score predictions.