Middlesbrough vs Leeds tips and predictions: Back Boro to extend unbeaten run to ten
- George Dempsey
- 21 April 2024
Middlesbrough will have no shortage of well-wishers from the top end of the Championship table when they play host to Leeds United on Monday night.
Leeds United will check in to the last chance saloon when they visit the Riverside Stadium on Monday night, where they’ll meet a Middlesbrough side eager to put a nail in the coffin.
The Whites are no longer in the driving seat after a handful of missed opportunities, yet two wins this week would pile the pressure on Ipswich when they return to action.
That involves coming from two incredibly tough-looking away games, first on Monday night while hoping for a favour from Hull or Coventry.
The latter seems probable but serves no purpose if Daniel Farke’s side can’t put in a re-energised, more clinical performance after a nine-day break.
Middlesbrough’s hopes of the play-offs went out the window with two credible draws against the Tractor Boys and the Tigers.
Still, there’s no shortage of motivation to finish the season strong and become the latest side to dent Leeds’ promotion hopes.
Eight sides have left the Riverside with maximum points so there’s hope in that respect, but Michael Carrick’s side is enjoying a second wind having gone unbeaten in nine matches.
The Teesside club trailed 3-2 at half-time in the reverse fixture and until Anfernee Dijksteel received his marching orders, they were one of the more positive sides to visit Elland Road.
On the other hand, the last two meetings here have been cagey with Leeds winning 1-0 and snatching a 1-1 draw late on. We’re expecting a similar affair in front of the Sky cameras.
There comes a time where Farke may opt for his not-really-a-plan-plan-b and shove seven players up top if Leeds aren’t winning late on, but xG suggests a 1-1 draw could be on the cards.
Key stats
- Middlesbrough are unbeaten in nine matches
- The away team has scored under 1.5 goals 14 times in 15 meetings
- Leeds are unbeaten in five meetings with Middlesbrough
- Leeds are unbeaten in six after a break of eight or more days, winning four
