Southampton vs Middlesbrough Prediction: Conway to make up for missed chances?

Arguably the most anticipated Championship semi-final second leg of all time? Southampton host Middlesbrough at St Mary’s on Tuesday (20:00 BST), after an enthralling first leg ended 0-0. 

With Spygate 2.0 bubbling under the surface, the frosty atmosphere between the benches was apparent, but the two teams couldn’t be separated on the pitch. So who wins it? Below you can find my Southampton vs Middlesbrough predictions featuring team news and betting odds. 

Team News

I can’t see either manager making wholesale changes to their starting XI after what we saw in the first leg. It feels likely that Kim Hellberg will name an unchanged XI after the first-half dominance we saw from his term, with Tommy Conway a threat on the left of the front three. 

Hayden Hackney wasn’t involved in the matchday squad but may be plonked on the bench as a psychological weapon more than anything else. Alan Browne may come into the midfield to provide more steel, possibly in place of Riley McGree. 

Tonda Eckert may be more likely to rotate given his side were outplayed for the first 45 at the Riverside. Cyle Larin was ineffective at the top end of the pitch so Ross Stewart should lead the line, while Leo Scienza will want to get further forward on the left wing. Shea Charles was superb off the bench and should start, potentially ahead of Flynn Downes. 

Football Odds

Southampton vs Middlebrough Odds

Southampton are the 13/10 favourites to win this game in 90 minutes, with Boro priced at 15/8. A draw is 13/5, which would force extra-time, while over 2.5 goals in regular time is 8/11. 

Perhaps the more interesting prices to consider at ‘to win the tie’. By any method, Southampton are 8/11 to make it to Wembley while Middlesbrough are 1/1 on the night.

Today's Football Fixtures

Over 3.5 goals @ 2/1

I know what you are thinking. We all said there would be loads of goals in the first leg - and it finished 0-0. BUT, it was packed full of goalmouth action, Boro should have scored at least twice and both teams hit the woodwork. 

Five of Southampton’s last seven home matches have seen over 2.5 goals, while six of the last seven Boro away games have seen four goals or more. I can see this one opening up, and fireworks in 90 minutes on the South Coast.

Tommy Conway to score anytime @ 2/1

The man who was the main focus of the first leg. Conway had the golden opportunity to open the scoring for Boro as he guided his finish onto the far post - just inches away from applying the perfect finish. He then failed to convert with his left foot from close range as Daniel Peretz denied him, but he was getting on the end of these chances. 

His conversion rate has been a topic of conversation all season, but he has still scored 13 goals this term and I think he will have a significant role to play at St Mary’s. With Boro’s chance creation, I think Conway will finally convert one of the big chances he gets. 

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