Middlesbrough will take on West Brom in the Championship on Friday, 19 September, in a match between two teams have started the season in fine form.
As things stand, Middlesbrough are leading the way in the division, after picking up 13 points from their first five games.
West Brom, meanwhile, are just three points and four places further back, making this one of the most anticipated matches of the season so far.
As part of our latest round of Championship betting tips, check out our Middlesbrough vs West Brom prediction below.
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Middlesbrough vs West Brom prediction: The hosts to keep on rolling
Key Stats
- Middlesbrough have kept a clean sheet in three of their four league victories this season.
- West Brom failed to score last time out against Derby County.
- Under 2.5 goals have been scored in both of Middlesbrough's previous home matches this season.
Correct score prediction: Middlesbrough 1-0 West Brom
While both of these teams have started the season well, neither of them are the most expansive team in the world, so we anticipate a cagey, low-scoring affair. Middlesbrough have already won 1-0 twice this season, so they are capable of scoring and then holding what they have.
Pre-game odds and win probability: A close match to call
- HOME: 23/20 (2.15) – 46.5%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Middlesbrough vs West Brom odds are indicative of how evenly matched these two teams are, with neither of them being priced as the odds-on favourite by the bookies. Ladbrokes have given Middlesbrough a 46.5% chance of winning the match, while West Brom have been given a 30.3% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Advantage Boro
If Middlesbrough fans need more confidence ahead of the match on Friday night, they only need to take a look at their most recent meetings to with West Brom to find that they have won each of the last three. The Baggies have failed to score in each of those three matches, too, further pushing our confidence in our Middlesbrough to nil prediction.
England Championship 21/01/25
Middlesbrough
West Brom
England Championship 01/10/24
West Brom
Middlesbrough
England Championship 23/12/23
Middlesbrough
West Brom
England Championship 26/08/23
West Brom
Middlesbrough
England Championship 25/02/23
West Brom
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough preview: Will Whittaker play?
Despite Middlesbrough's red-hot start to the season, their fans decided to throw a spanner in the works by sarcastically cheering Morgan Whittaker after he was subbed off last time out against Preston. Edwards gave the player his full backing after the match, but it will be interesting to see if he plays from the start on Friday.
Predicted lineup: Brynn (GK), Ayling, Lenihan, Jones, Brittain, Morris, Hackney, Targett, Conway, Whittaker, Hansen
Last five results
- Preston 2-2 Middlesbrough
- Middlesbrough 1-0 Sheffield United
- Norwich City 1-2 Middlesbrough
- Millwall 0-3 Middlesbrough
- Middlesbrough 0-4 Doncaster
West Brom preview: Collyer to start?
After tasting defeat for the first time this season last weekend, there could finally be an opening for Toby Collyer to make his first start for the Baggies. The Man Utd loanee has made four substitute appearances so far, but he hasn't dropped down to the Championship to be a fringe player.
Predicted lineup: Griffiths (GK), Gilchrist, Phillips, Mepham, Styles, Collyer, Molumby, Wallace, Price, Johnston, Heggebo
Last five results
- West Brom 0-1 Derby
- Stoke 0-1 West Brom
- West Brom 1-1 Portsmouth
- Wrexham 2-3 West Brom
- West Brom 1-1 Derby
Player to watch: Morgan Whittaker
As mentioned, Morgan Whittaker is already facing questions from Middlesbrough fans, but patience is still required with the 24-year-old. The forward has failed to score in 21 league appearances for Boro, but this is in complete contrast to his form for his former club, Plymouth, where he once scored 19 goals in one season.