Two teams with very different outlooks in the EFL Championship season are ready to rumble on Saturday, 31 August, as Cardiff gets ready to host Middlesbrough.
With that in mind, Cardiff vs Middlesbrough prediction right here and remember to also take a closer look at some of our other Championship predictions.
Contents
Cardiff vs Middlesbrough prediction: Boro to edge tight contest
Key stats
- Cardiff City have scored an average of 1.33 goals per game in the Championship this season.
- Middlesbrough have beaten Cardiff four times in their last five duels.
- Cardiff have just one win in the five matches they've played this season.
Correct score prediction: Cardiff 1-2 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough's recent form is rather different from Cardiff’s. Boro have beaten Cardiff in each of their last three encounters, too, with two of these wins coming away from home. Respectively, these wins finished with scores of 4-1 and 3-1.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Boro slight favourites
- HOME: 27/10 (3.70) – 27.00%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.80%
- AWAY: 4/5 (1.80) – 55.60%
Given Middlesbrough’s start to the season and the fact they’ve beaten Cardiff in their previous three meetings, the 55.60% win probability is perfectly justified.
Anyhow, if you want to check out more predictions, take a look at our favourite betting tips for today.
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Most recent H2Hs: Middlesbrough striding ahead
The head-to-head record between Middlesbrough and Cardiff is very close overall. Boro has 12 wins compared with 11 for Cardiff, but Middlesbrough have come out ahead on the last three occasions.
In fact, Cardiff has beaten Middlesbrough just once in the last eight meetings.
England Championship 27/04/24
Cardiff
Middlesbrough
England Championship 03/10/23
Middlesbrough
Cardiff
England Championship 11/02/23
Cardiff
Middlesbrough
England Championship 13/09/22
Middlesbrough
Cardiff
England Championship 27/04/22
Middlesbrough
Cardiff
Cardiff preview: Bluebirds desperate for a win
Cardiff have started the 2024/25 season poorly. They’ve lost two from three and conceded 8 goals in the process, hence they are at the bottom of the table.
Additionally, they’ve managed to hit the back of the net just once, which gives them the worst goal difference in the league right now.
Predicted lineup: Runarsson (GK), Ng, Goutas, McGuinness, Collins, Wintle, Ralls, Bowler, Ramsey, Grant & Ugbo
England Championship 31/08/24
L
Middlesbrough
2
Cardiff
0
England EFL Cup 28/08/24
L
Southampton
5
Cardiff
3
England Championship 25/08/24
D
Swansea
1
Cardiff
1
England Championship 17/08/24
L
Burnley
5
Cardiff
0
England EFL Cup 13/08/24
W
Bristol Rovers
0
Cardiff
2
Middlesbrough preview: Boro seeking first away win this season
It’s not like Middlesbrough has been tearing up the EFL Championship this season. However, they’ve looked more solid than Cardiff in practically all areas. But they lost their one and only away game in 2024/25, which was a 1-0 defeat at Derby.
So, Middlesbrough will no doubt be hungry to reverse their fortunes and make it 4 wins on the bounce against Cardiff.
Predicted lineup: Dieng (GK), Dijksteel, Fry, Lenihan, Engel, Howson, Barlaser, Jones, Rogers, Latte Lath & Coburn
England Championship 31/08/24 W Cardiff 0 Middlesbrough 2 England EFL Cup 27/08/24 L Stoke 5 Middlesbrough 0 England Championship 24/08/24 D Portsmouth 2 Middlesbrough 2 England Championship 17/08/24 L Derby 1 Middlesbrough 0 England EFL Cup 14/08/24 W Leeds 0 Middlesbrough 3 
Player to watch – Emmanuel Latte Lath (Middlesbrough)
We all know how dangerous this man can be in front of goal. And with Cardiff obviously looking shaky at the back this season, he could well hold the key to all three points for Middlesbrough on Saturday.
With his pace and ability to generate something from nothing, we wouldn’t be surprised if he found the back of the net in our expected 2-1 win for the visitors.
