English Championship Preview: Leeds United vs. Middlesbrough

April 22, 2024

Leeds United aims to break their three-game winless run when they travel to face Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium on Monday evening, with an opportunity to climb into the top two spots in the Championship table.

A victory for the West Yorkshire outfit would propel them back into the automatic promotion spots, enhancing their chances of securing a coveted spot in the Premier League. However, a disappointing outcome for Boro would all but extinguish their slim hopes of clinching a playoff berth.

Leeds United are on a three-game winning streak against Middlesbrough, including a 3-2 victory at Elland Road in December.

Middlesbrough Betting Preview (+310 at Everygame)

Currently ninth in the standings with only nine points left to play for, Middlesbrough faces an uphill battle to catch up with West Bromwich Albion and Norwich City in the playoff race. However, their recent defensive solidity at home, with three consecutive clean sheets at the Riverside, is a positive sign. Yet, their record against Yorkshire teams at home hasn't been stellar, with only two wins in their last ten encounters.

It might be a bit late in the season for Middlesbrough to disrupt the top-six status quo. Still, under Michael Carrick's guidance, the team is finishing on a high note, aiming to extend their unbeaten streak to ten matches as they welcome Leeds United to the Riverside Stadium.

In their last nine Championship fixtures, Middlesbrough have accumulated an impressive 19 points, comprising five wins and four draws. This includes recent draws against fellow playoff contenders Hull City and title contenders Ipswich Town.

During their recent visit to Portman Road, Emmanuel Latte Lath continued his exceptional form by scoring his fifth goal in as many games and his 12^th of the season. Despite taking the lead, Middlesbrough conceded an equalizer to Massimo Luongo, resulting in a share of the points.

Having scored four goals in his last three Championship matches, Emmanuel Latte Lath, who bagged a brace against Leeds earlier in the campaign, should lead the line for Boro.

Carrick faces the challenge of adjusting his squad this week, with Middlesbrough's loaned players from Leeds, Sam Greenwood and Luke Ayling, ineligible to play against their parent club. However, Greenwood only made a substitute appearance in the draw with Ipswich.

With Ayling out, Anfernee Dijksteel is expected to step in at right-back. There's also hope for Paddy McNair's return from a hamstring injury, although he's the only one likely to return for Monday's match.

Unfortunately, several players remain sidelined due to various injuries: Riley McGree (foot), Josh Coburn (groin), Hayden Hackney (leg), Dael Fry (groin), Tom Smith, and Darragh Lenihan (both Achilles), and Marcus Forss (hamstring). Elsewhere, Tom Glover has undergone finger surgery and won't be available for the rest of the season.

Leeds United Betting Preview (-125 at Everygame)

The struggles up north might not carry much weight when considering recent form. While Leicester City's downturn has grabbed headlines, Leeds United have also encountered a rough patch at a crucial juncture.

Between January 1^st and April 1^st, Daniel Farke's squad was virtually unstoppable, amassing an impressive 41 points out of 45 available in a 15-match unbeaten streak. However, their fortunes have taken a sharp turn since then, earning just one point from their last nine possible.

Following a lackluster goalless draw against Sunderland, Farke's side suffered defeats to Coventry City and, more concerning, Blackburn Rovers. The latter secured a 1-0 victory at Elland Road, fueled by Sammie Szmodics's 24^th campaign goal on April 13^th.

However, due to Coventry City's remarkable progress in the FA Cup semi-finals, which led to the postponement of their match against Ipswich, Leeds United, currently third in the standings, could temporarily surpass the Tractor Boys, who hold a two-point advantage, by securing a victory at the Riverside on Monday night.

With this added incentive, Leeds is poised to bounce back from their recent struggles, especially given their favorable head-to-head record against Middlesbrough. The Whites have emerged victorious in their last three encounters with Middlesbrough, who haven't beaten their Yorkshire counterparts since Patrick Bamford's hat-trick led to a 3-0 victory in 2018 before his move to Elland Road.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke faces an enforced change in the right-back position due to Connor Roberts suffering a recurrence of a muscular injury sustained while playing for Wales last month. Roberts is expected to miss at least two games.

Archie Gray, recently named the Championship's Young Player of the Season, may step in as his replacement, allowing Glen Kamara to return to the starting lineup alongside Ilia Gruev in the middle of the park.

In addition to Roberts' injury, Leeds has been dealing with season-ending groin operations for Pascal Struijk and Darko Gyabi. Meanwhile, off the pitch, Farke's assistant, Christopher John, was sent off and charged with improper conduct following the Blackburn defeat. However, whether he will be suspended for the upcoming game remains uncertain.

Possible Starting Lineups of Middlesbrough and Leeds United

Middlesbrough: Seny Dieng - Anfernee Dijksteel, Rav van den Berg, Matthew Clarke, Lukas Engel - Lewis O'Brien, Jonny Howson - Isaiah Jones, Finn Azaz, Samuel Silvera - Emmanuel Latte Lath. (4-2-3-1)

Leeds United: Illan Meslier - Archie Gray, Ethan Ampadu, Joe Rodon, Junior Firpo - Glen Kamara, Ilia Gruev - Wilfried Gnonto, Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville - Joel Piroe. (4-2-3-1)

Spooky Express Betting Prediction

Middlesbrough's strong defensive record at home poses a significant threat to Leeds, which has struggled somewhat in recent weeks.

Despite injury setbacks, Michael Carrick's side have shown resilience. While the playoffs remain a remote possibility, Boro will likely aim for a win to maintain hope, but a draw against Leeds seems plausible as the Whites miss an opportunity to move up in the standings.

Spooky Express Free Play: Leeds United -125 at Everygame for 7/10 Units

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