Middlesbrough vs Derby predictions ahead of this Championship clash. Middlesbrough, sitting 13th, face 23rd-placed Derby County in a crucial matchday 35 clash, with both sides needing points for different reasons in an intriguing Championship battle. Read on for our match preview and free betting tips.
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Championship | Mar 1, 2025 at 3pm UK at Riverside Stadium
Middlesbrough vs Derby Predictions


Will Goals Flow as Middlesbrough Host Struggling Derby?
- Middlesbrough’s goal-heavy approach: Carrick’s side have seen Over 2.5 Goals land in six of their last eight matches, highlighting their attacking intent.
- Derby’s defensive woes: The Rams have conceded in 10 of their last 11 away games, with many of those matches featuring multiple goals.
- Both teams tend to concede: Middlesbrough have let in 45 goals this season, while Derby have shipped 47, making defensive issues a recurring problem for both sides.
Best Bet for Middlesbrough vs Derby
Over 2.5 Goals | |
5/6 - odds when tipped | |
Reasoning The numbers and performances all point towards a game with plenty of goalmouth action. Middlesbrough’s attacking quality, combined with Derby’s defensive struggles and desperation, make Over 2.5 Goals the most logical selection. Expect an open game, and don’t be surprised if the net bulges multiple times. |
The Championship clash at the Riverside Stadium this Saturday pits two sides in desperate need of points, but for vastly different reasons. Middlesbrough, sitting in 13th place, are battling to stay in the race for a respectable mid-table finish after a season of inconsistency. Meanwhile, Derby County are staring relegation in the face, languishing in 23rd place and desperately trying to claw their way out of trouble.
Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough have showcased their attacking prowess, scoring 51 goals this season, yet their defensive frailties continue to hinder their progress. Their 3-1 victory over Stoke City last time out might have lifted spirits, but it did little to erase the memory of four consecutive losses prior to that. At home, they have been relatively steady, but still vulnerable enough to keep things interesting.
For Derby, the situation is dire. Just seven wins all season, a dismal away record, and a toothless attack have left them in deep trouble. Their most recent 1-0 loss to Millwall epitomised their struggles, and manager John Eustace is running out of time to inspire a turnaround. However, Middlesbrough’s leaky defence may offer them some hope of at least getting on the scoresheet. With both teams showing weaknesses at the back, this could be an unexpectedly open contest.
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Best Bet for Middlesbrough vs Derby: Over 2.5 Goals
At BettingTips4You, we focus on quality over quantity, ensuring that each prediction is carefully selected to give our readers the best possible chance of success. For this Championship encounter, the best bet is Over 2.5 Goals.
There are several reasons why this is the standout selection for Saturday’s game. Firstly, Middlesbrough’s matches tend to be goal-heavy affairs. They have scored 51 goals this season but also conceded 45, making them one of the most entertaining teams in the league in terms of attacking output. Their last game, a 3-1 win over Stoke, was another example of their ability to find the net but also their vulnerability at the back.
Secondly, Derby’s defensive struggles suggest they are likely to concede at least a couple of goals again. They have shipped 47 goals this season, and their away form has been particularly poor, with just one victory and eleven defeats on the road. While their attack has been largely ineffective, their need to take risks at this stage of the season could open the game up, leading to a high-scoring affair.
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Recent trends also support this prediction. Four of Derby’s last six away league games have seen at least three goals scored, while Middlesbrough’s attacking style under Carrick means they are always capable of creating chances. The Rams may not be the most prolific team, but they have been involved in several goal-heavy matches, including a 3-2 defeat to Norwich and a 2-2 draw with Birmingham.
BettingTips4You.com expert Herrin Kendrick says:
*”With Middlesbrough’s attacking strength and Derby’s desperate need for points, this game has all the ingredients for goals. Boro will fancy their chances against a struggling defence, but their own weaknesses at the back make Over 2.5 Goals the safest play.”_
Given how both teams have been performing, a 3-1 win for Middlesbrough seems like the most plausible outcome. Boro’s superior attacking options should give them the edge, but Derby’s urgency to pick up points could see them nick a goal.
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