Middlesbrough vs West Bromwich Predictions

Middlesbrough vs West Bromwich predictions for this Championship affair. Middlesbrough host West Brom at the Riverside on Tuesday in a crucial Championship promotion battle, with both sides eyeing vital points to boost their Premier League ambitions. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips. 

Championship | Jan 21, 2025 at 7.45pm UK at Riverside Stadium

Middlesbrough vs West Bromwich Predictions

Can West Brom’s Mowbray Era Begin with a Statement Against Middlesbrough?

• Middlesbrough’s Leaky Defence: Despite facing only 28 xG this season, Middlesbrough have conceded 34 goals, the worst record among the top seven sides.
• West Brom’s Away Day Struggles: The Baggies have gone six away matches without a win in the Championship, drawing four and losing two in that stretch.
• Goals Guaranteed: West Brom have scored in each of their last ten league matches, while Middlesbrough have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last four home games.

Our Tips

Tuesday night brings a Championship clash laced with tension and significance, as Middlesbrough host West Bromwich Albion at the Riverside Stadium. Both sides find themselves in a precarious position in the race for promotion, tied on 41 points and separated only by goal difference. For Middlesbrough, sitting just outside the play-off spots in seventh, this fixture represents a chance to re-establish their push for a Premier League return. Meanwhile, West Brom, clinging to sixth place, will hope their new manager, Tony Mowbray, can inspire an immediate turnaround.

Middlesbrough come into this fixture licking their wounds after a 2-1 defeat at Portsmouth. Despite taking an early lead through Emmanuel Latte Lath, defensive frailties once again cost them, as they failed to convert promising moments into a result. Their current form—two defeats in a row—highlights their recent struggles, and Michael Carrick’s men are without a win in their last four home matches. A draw has been the recurring theme at the Riverside of late, and Boro’s inability to see games through will concern both Carrick and the fans.

West Brom arrive in Teesside under the spotlight of change. Mowbray’s return to the club marks a fresh chapter, yet his side’s inability to win away from home remains a glaring issue, having gone six away matches without a victory. However, the Baggies are unbeaten in four overall and have consistently found the net in their last ten league outings. Will Mowbray’s arrival provide the immediate boost needed, or will Middlesbrough’s urgency tip the balance? It’s a fascinating matchup, and the stakes could not be higher for both teams.

The Best Bet: Both Teams to Score

When analysing the dynamics of this fixture, it’s difficult to ignore the vulnerabilities and strengths of both sides. Middlesbrough, despite being a capable attacking force, have been leaking goals at an alarming rate this season. Their defensive record—34 goals conceded, despite an xG against of only 28—points to inefficiencies at the back. This troubling disparity reflects a team that struggles with focus and execution, something that West Brom will look to exploit.

On the other hand, the Baggies’ ability to find the back of the net in each of their last ten matches suggests their attacking unit is consistent, even if not prolific. Players like Karlan Grant and Grady Diangana, who may start in a front two, have enough quality to trouble Middlesbrough’s shaky back line. Yet, West Brom’s own defensive issues cannot be overlooked. Conceding avoidable goals has become a theme for Mowbray’s side, especially on the road, where they’ve failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six away matches.

Middlesbrough’s attacking quartet—Ben Doak, Finn Azaz, Delano Burgzorg, and Emmanuel Latte Lath—possess the creativity and directness to capitalise on these weaknesses. At the same time, Carrick’s side have proven wasteful at times, as evidenced by their inability to finish off chances at Portsmouth, converting just one of four big opportunities. Still, their potential to score remains undeniable, particularly against a West Brom defence still finding its rhythm under Mowbray.

As BettingTips4You.com’s expert Steve Harrington aptly puts it: “Both teams have glaring defensive gaps, but their attacking quality cannot be ignored. Expect goals at both ends—it’s hard to imagine either side holding firm for 90 minutes.” With that in mind, backing both teams to score emerges as the strongest betting option for this game. It’s a logical prediction in a contest featuring two sides whose strengths lie in attack but whose weaknesses at the back cannot be ignored.

Correct Score Prediction: Middlesbrough 2-2 West Brom

In a game that promises attacking intent from both sides, a high-scoring draw feels like the most plausible outcome. Middlesbrough’s recent home form—three draws in their last four—suggests they often find themselves in closely contested battles at the Riverside. Add to this their defensive fragility, and it’s easy to see West Brom posing a significant threat on the counter.

For West Brom, Mowbray’s first match in charge might bring a tactical freshness, but it’s unlikely to resolve their defensive shortcomings overnight. While the Baggies have struggled for wins on their travels, their attacking reliability gives them enough firepower to trouble Middlesbrough throughout the evening. A 2-2 scoreline reflects the narrative of two sides cancelling each other out, with neither capable of fully exploiting the other’s vulnerabilities.

Ultimately, the game’s defining feature will likely be the inconsistency of both teams in defence. With neither side capable of maintaining clean sheets in recent weeks, a draw loaded with goals feels like a natural result. West Brom may start strongly under Mowbray, but Middlesbrough’s urgency to avoid defeat will see them fight back into contention.

Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!

Selected Bookmakers Offers