Middlesbrough vs Blackburn Rovers Prediction: Low-scoring affair expected at the Riverside

Despite the Championship taking a backseat this weekend for the FA Cup, an all-Championship third-round tie will be taking place at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday (12:00), as Middlesbrough host Blackburn Rovers.

Michael Carrick’s side were eliminated at this stage by Aston Villa last season and have made it past the third round only once since 2029/20, while Blackburn made it to the fifth round last season, only to be defeated on penalties by Newcastle United. Read on for my Middlesbrough vs Blackburn Rovers prediction, as well as the latest team news and match odds.

Football Odds

Team News

Carrick could use this FA Cup tie as a chance to give some fringe players an opportunity to shine, as it is well known that promotion from the Championship this season is their priority.

Boro's injury list remains extensive, with defenders Alex Bangura, Darragh Lenihan and Luke Ayling on the treatment table alongside goalkeepers Seny Dieng and Tommy Smith. Therefore, the likes of Alex Gilbert, Lukas Engel, Matt Clarke and George Edmundson could come into the starting XI.

Meanwhile, Blackburn head to the Riverside without six first-team players, as Yuki Ohashi, Lewis Travis, Arnor Sigurdsson, Hayden Carter, Scott Wharton and Harry Pickering are all sidelined for the third-round tie.

In addition, John Eustace will have to make do without the services of Lewis Baker, who's been recalled by Stoke City.

Middlesbrough vs Blackburn Rovers Odds

Boro are 4/5 to win in 90 minutes, giving them an implied win probability of 55.6%, while the draw is 11/4 and a Blackburn win within regulation time can be backed at 3/1.

The hosts are 2/5 to win the tie, with Rovers 7/4, and Emmanuel Latte Lath tops the anytime goalscorer market at 23/20.

Middlesbrough to win and under 2.5 goals @ 18/5

Boro are currently sitting fifth in the Championship, and are unbeaten in six games. They haven’t lost at home since a 1-0 reverse to Saturday’s opponents in November, and I'm expecting another low-scoring affair to play out this weekend.

The hosts have become draw specialists in recent weeks, sharing the spoils in five of the last eight Championship games, but I feel like Boro are better equipped for a cup run, especially given the injuries Blackburn have.

As mentioned in the introduction, the hosts were eliminated at this stage last year, and have only made it past the third round on one occasion in the last five years (2021/22), so Carrick will be eager to break that streak of early exits here.

I also think home advantage could prove to be key, so I'm backing a narrow win for Middlesbrough.

Both teams to score - no @ 6/5

November's meeting between the sides was decided by one goal, and as I've outlined above, I'm expecting another low-scoring game on Saturday.

This bet has landed in three of Boro's last six outings, while the same bet has proven to be a profitable pick in three of Blackburn's last five encounters.

The hosts have been involved in some high-scoring games this term, but they've also had their fair share of dull affairs, with six of their last 10 and three of their last four at home featuring fewer than three goals.

With both sides possessing extensive injury lists, and expected to rotate their starting lineups, I'm opting for both teams not to get on the scoresheet this weekend.

Offers

Acca Flex: Place a pre-match 5+ leg Football accumulator and get a CASH bonus up to 100% if all of your selections win or your money back as CASH if one leg lets you down

Place an In-Play single bet of £10 or more at odds of 1/2+ on any FA Cup game on Saturday and get £5 in Free Bets to use In-Play on Sunday’s FA Cup games. (Credited upon Bet Settlement)