Bristol City vs Middlesbrough predictions: Boro can regain promotion momentum
- Bristol City have not lost a home league game in 2023
- Middlesbrough are the Championship's top scorers on the road this season
- Recommended bet: Middlesbrough to win and BTTS
For so long, Middlesbrough looked like the form horse in the Championship as they chased down automatic promotion but now appear destined for the play-offs as they prepare for a trip to Bristol City on Monday.
Having lost only one of a 10-game run that included eight victories as they seriously threatened a top-two place, back-to-back defeats have not only allowed Sheffield United to pull nine points clear but seen Luton usurp them in the table into third.
Michael Carrick will be hoping it is only a temporary blip as his side still has some work to do to secure a top-six berth, although a seven-point cushion should be enough with just six games to go.
Although they have not yet mathematically been ruled out of reaching the play-offs, a nine-point deficit looks too big for the Robins to make up at this late stage of the season.
Still, the pressure is arguably off as they are 11 points clear of the relegation zone, and they may fancy their chances of a notable scalp, given Boro's inconsistency on the road this season.
Team news
Robins boss Nigel Pearson may be reluctant to make too many changes to the side that ended a three-game winless streak with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory at Stoke City on Friday.
However, one change is anticipated as midfielder Omar Taylor-Clarke was forced off midway inside the first half, with his replacement Andy King most likely to deputise.
Alex Scott, Kal Naismith and Tomas Kalas are closing on a return but may not yet be ready, while Mark Sykes continues his suspension, and Rob Atkinson, Joe Williams and Ayman Benarous will not play again this season.
There are fewer concerns on the injury front for Boro, with only defender Matt Clarke struggling with a back injury, although Carrick might freshen things up with his side having conceded six goals in their last two defeats.
The stats
Bristol City have won only three of their last 11 games in all competitions, but only one of four defeats in that same run has come at Ashton Gate, which was to Manchester City in the FA Cup.
The Robins have yet to lose in the Championship at home in 2023, winning four and drawing three of seven games.
Only four teams have registered more than Boro's nine road victories this season, but only five teams have suffered more than their 10 defeats.
The Teessiders are the highest scorers away from home in the Championship with 35 strikes, although no team outside the bottom five has a worse defensive record than their tally of 32 goals allowed.
Prediction
Middlesbrough may have lost 10 matches on the road this season, but a lot of damage was done under Chris Wilder at the start of the season.
Carrick has dramatically turned around the club's fortunes, and they have demonstrated their quality too often to place too much emphasis on the 4-2 defeat at Huddersfield on their last road trip.
They have been full of goals, and that reverse has only helped the price for a 21st win of the Championship campaign, with a Boro win available at 21/20 with LiveScore Bet.
However, given the Robins' home record in 2023 and the boost of Friday's win at Stoke, coupled with Boro's defensive frailties, there could still be a little more juice to be had.
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