Middlesbrough vs Leeds Prediction: Can Boro derail Leeds’ promotion hopes?

Leeds simply have to start winning games if they want to secure an instant return to the Premier League. Daniel Farke’s side were in pole position to win the title just a few weeks ago, but one point from their last three matches has seen them fall to third. It could have been a lot worse, had Leicester and Ipswich taken full advantage, but belief has evaporated around Elland Road. 

Next up they face a tough trip to the Riverside, to take on a Middlesbrough side that is bang in form. Former Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick could deliver a hammer blow to Leeds’ promotion hopes, when the sides meet on Monday night (20:00). Below you can find my Middlesbrough vs Leeds prediction, in this crucial Championship encounter.

Team News

Luke Ayling is ineligible to face his parent club after an impressive start to life on Teesside, while Sam Greenwood is in the same boat for the hosts - on loan from Leeds. Marcus Forss remains out with a hamstring problem while Darragh Lenihan, Tommy Smith and Riley McGee are out for the season. One positive for Boro is that Hayden Hackney is on his way back and Alex Bangura is available for the matchday squad.

Pascal Strujik is out for the season for the visitors while Jamie Shackleton has an injury issue, but aside from that, Farke’s squad have a clean bill of health. That could be crucial as we approach the final run-in. 

Match Odds

Middlesbrough are 16/5 to win this game, with Leeds priced at 4/5 to take all three points. That gives the away side a win probability of 55%. A draw is 11/4, BTTS is 8/11 and over 2.5 goals is priced at 8/11.

Boro to win @ 16/5

I think the value lies with the home side heading into this one. I’ve been so positive about Leeds this season, but I’m now seriously concerned about them - and I don't think this Monday night kick-off will do them any favours. They are likely to lose ground on their promotion rivals this weekend, and the pressure will be on against a side who are playing so well right now. 

Boro got a point at Ipswich last time out, and are now incredibly unbeaten in their last nine games. It’s a run that has taken them up to ninth, and although the play-offs are out of reach, they will want to finish the season strongly. The Riverside will offer up a cracking atmosphere on Monday, and I think Leeds may struggle again. 

Emmanuel Latte Lath to score anytime @ 5/2

With seven goals in his last nine league games, there aren’t many strikers in the Championship in better form than Emmanuel Latte Lath right now. It’s no coincidence that since his return from injury, Boro’s form has improved drastically. Had he not been out for 10 games at the start of the year, it’s fair to say Boro would be serious contenders for the top six. 

Leeds have not looked like a solid team of late, keeping just one clean sheet in their last five matches. I think Boro and Latte Lath can take full advantage under the lights, as the rest of the Championship keenly watches on.

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