Derby vs Middlesbrough Prediction: Massive away win for Boro expected

Middlesbrough put in a statement performance in midweek at Elland Road in the Carabao Cup as they thumped Leeds 3-0. Michael Carrick’s men are clearly going to be a force to be reckoned with this term, and their next test comes at Pride Park as they take on Derby County (12:30, Sky Sports +).

The Rams were beaten at Blackburn in their opener, and Paul Warne will hope to get off to a winning start on home soil. Below you can find my Derby vs Middlesbrough prediction. 

Team News

Corey Blackett-Taylor is set to return and feature in the matchday squad after returning to training this week for Derby County. That will be a boost for Warne as the permanent signings played a big part in promotion last term, while on loan from Charlton. Meanwhile, Kayden Jackson bagged his first Derby goal in the Carabao Cup win over Chesterfield and is set to continue up front. However, Ebou Adams was injured at Ewood Park and missed the midweek success, so he may well be sidelined for the lunchtime kick-off. 

Meanwhile, after rotation in midweek, expect Michael Carrick to revert back to his strongest XI. Luke Ayling, Finn Azaz and Emmanuel Latte-Lath were all benched in midweek but should play from the start at Pride Park. 

Derby vs Middlesbrough Odds

Derby are priced at 12/5 to win this game, with Boro the favourites at 23/20. A draw can be backed at 12/5, over 2.5 goals is 4/5 and BTTS is 4/6.

Middlesbrough to win @ 23/20

I really fancy Middlesbrough this term. I think they have a top manager in Michael Carrick and the work he has done building this club up is impressive. Now they have a seriously strong squad, with Micah Hamilton making his debut in midweek, and Anfernee Dijksteel putting in an outstanding performance from right-back. 

They are a far superior side to Derby, whom I have real concerns about this season. They conceded so many chances against Blackburn in that 4-2 defeat, and Rovers are some way off the quality-level of promotion-chasing Boro. As a result, I think this will be a one-sided and comfortable away win. With the likes of Aidan Morris, Hayden Hackney and Azaz likely to be involved, the away side should dominate possession and win comfortably. 

Championship Odds

Away team over 3.5 goals @ 9/1

So how many will Boro score? Well I think there is real value in backing them to secure a massive win at Pride Park, based on what we have seen so far. They were ruthless against Leeds, tearing them to shreds at every opportunity and that second-half showing will have them heading into this one on a high. With Latte-Lath on fire, and the talented midfield behind him, I expect them to run riot against a shaky Derby outfit. 

Boro had 17 shots, and seven on target in midweek, while in the opening game against Blackburn, Derby conceded four goals, seven shots on goal and 11 in total. I don’t think that bodes well for the home side, and I can also see the home crowd turning against the manager quite quickly if they fall behind. This has all the makings of a vintage away performance from Boro. 

Offers

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