Middlesbrough vs Leeds Prediction: Boro can cause more problems for Leeds

Leeds United are sick to death of a certain Joy Division song but it is once again befitting of their current situation. The promotion favourites have won just one of their last six Championship matches and they find themselves behind leaders Burnley after three consecutive draws. The Whites will bid to change their fortunes when they travel to the Riverside Stadium to face Middlesbrough on Tuesday (20:00, Sky Sports Main Event).

Boro have momentum coming into this clash with five wins from their previous seven games in the second tier, and they have an opportunity to capitalise on Leeds' dip in form. Below you will find my Middlesbrough vs Leeds predictions, aided by the latest team news and match odds.

Football Odds

Team News

Middlesbrough's defensive crisis has worsened with Nuno Borges becoming the latest member in the medical bay. He picked up an ankle injury in Friday's victory over Blackburn Rovers and has been ruled out for this clash.

Luke Ayling, George Edmundson (both ankle), Dael Fry (calf) and Darragh Lenihan (Achilles) are the other defenders missing for the hosts. Alex Bangura and Ben Doak are also sidelined for Boro.

Jonny Howson, a midfielder by trade, has had to drop in at centre-back recently and he will have to continue this makeshift role on Tuesday. Rav van den Berg looks the most suitable candidate to partner him on this occasion.

Karl Darlow started in between the sticks for Leeds on Saturday after Daniel Farke made the decision to drop Illan Meslier for another costly mistake in the draw with Swansea City last week.

Duo Patrick Bamford and Max Wober made cameos in the draw at Luton Town at the weekend after returning to action following long-term injuries.

After another game without a win, Farke may be tempted to make a couple of changes, and the likes of Bamford, Brenden Aaronson, Ilia Gruev and Sam Byram will be pushing for an opportunity on Teesside.

Manor Solomon, Joel Piroe and Dan James are probably deemed undroppable given their contributions this term, but Wilfried Gnonto could be the player of the attacking quartet to potentially drop out on Tuesday.

Middlesbrough vs Leeds Odds

Middlesbrough have the momentum and form coming into this match. They have five wins from their previous seven outings in the Championship, and they are 16/5 (which has an implied chance of 23.8%) to pile more misery on to Leeds.

Leeds have had to endure three consecutive stalemates in the second tier, and the draw is on offer at the attractive price of 5/2. The visitors are perceived as the 8/11 favourites here, despite failing to win on any of their latest three away trips in the league.

Over 2.5 goals has been a successful bet in Boro's last two home games in the Championship and it is on offer at 4/5 on Tuesday night.

Boro's Tommy Conway has scored three goals in his past seven league appearances and he is 13/5 to find the net.

Both teams to score @ 8/11

I made the mistake of backing Leeds to get back to winning ways at Luton, so not for the first time this season, I was left with egg on my face. For a more strategic and safer selection in this contest, I'm backing both teams to score at the Riverside.

Despite the wins drying up, Leeds are still finding the back of the net, while BTTS has struck in their previous three fixtures coming into Tuesday. It's also worth noting that of their 40 games in the Championship this term, they have only failed to score in seven of them.

BTTS was a winning selection when Leeds met Boro at Elland Road back in December, which they won 3-1, although it is hard to see a similar scoreline in their favour unfolding this time around given their current situation.

Additionally, there have been goals at both ends in three of Middlesbrough's last five Championship games on home turf. Their attacking stars are in good form and Leeds remain the top scorers in the division with 79 goals, so I think we will see both sides get on the scoresheet.

First team to score - Middlesbrough @ 8/5

Following on from that, I think there is also value to be had in backing Boro to open the scoring in this fixture. Leeds' confidence has taken a huge hit in the last few weeks and it is showing in their performances as they continue to struggle to put three points on the board.

They have proven to be slow starters on the road in recent weeks, having conceded the first goal in each of their previous four away trips in the second tier, of which just one of them they ended up winning.

Middlesbrough are in much better form than the Whites right now and the home crowd will be pumped up for this game as Leeds are there for the taking. They are great value at 8/5 to score the first goal on Tuesday, which they have accomplished in four of their past seven league matches.

Offers

Double Delight & Hat-Trick Heaven: Get double or treble the odds if your winning First Goalscorer bet scores a 2nd and 3rd

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