Middlesbrough vs Millwall Prediction: Promotion-chasers to cancel each other out

Both Middlesbrough and Millwall cannot afford any slip-ups if they wish to seal automatic promotion from the Championship this season. The two teams meet at the Riverside Stadium on Friday to kick-start the day's action (12:30 BST, Sky Sports Football).

Boro are currently sat in second but the Lions are just two points behind them, so the outcome of this clash could be pivotal come the end of term. Below you will find my Middlesbrough vs Millwall predictions, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Team News

Riley McGree and Aidan Morris have both experienced long travel back to the UK following international duty, so both may start Friday's game on the bench.

Alan Browne, Tommy Conway and David Strelec were also in action over the break, so they too will need to be monitored.

Key midfielder Hayden Hackney is hoping to shake off a calf injury to feature in this crunch clash.

Football Odds

Millwall boss Alex Neil might be tempted to stick with the same XI that drew at Ipswich Town last time out.

Mihailo Ivanovic and Tommy Watson have returned from international duty, so they are expected to be named on the bench.

Middlesbrough vs Millwall Odds

Despite failing to win any of their last four home games in the league, Boro are the 8/11 favourites with Betfred.

Millwall are an attractive 7/2 (implied probability of 22.2%) to collect the three points, considering they have won four of their previous five away trips in the Championship.

The hosts have experienced three draws from their past four home outings in the second tier, so the draw is another tempting price at 11/4.

Today's Football Fixtures

Match Result - Draw @ 11/4

This is a huge six-pointer towards the top of the Championship table and with this kick-starting a quick turnaround between matches, both sides should be feeling the pressure.

Neither side comes into this in inspiring form. Boro are without a win in three, while it's two games without a victory for Millwall. It already seems like pressure is already getting to them but with just seven fixtures remaining, the two clubs are in need of getting back on the winning trail.

As the two teams are both in position to clinch automatic promotion, this is a game neither can afford to lose. But on current form, I'm not sure either have what it takes to get the win.

Of the two I'd favour Millwall, but this is a tough away test for the underdogs. I'm going to sit on the fence for my selection and cover a draw, which has been the outcome in three of Boro's past four league fixtures at the Riverside.

Both Teams To Score - Yes @ 4/6

I may be predicting a stalemate, but it should be a competitive one, perhaps even entertaining. I do believe that backing both teams to score is a smart play for this contest because it has been a winning selection in each of Millwall's last two outings in the second tier.

Additionally, there have been goals at both ends in three of the Lions' four-most recent away games in the second tier.

BTTS - Yes has also landed in two of Middlesbrough's previous three home matches in the Championship.

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