Middlesbrough vs Bristol City Prediction

Contrasting recent runs

Middlesbrough haven't lost since a defeat at Stoke, picking up a win and three draws in their last four. They've been scoring freely but leaking goals too, with several recent games producing goals at both ends.

Middlesbrough: 20 completed matches; Bristol City: 20 completed matches.

Middlesbrough

20 matches

Win

45% 9 / 20

Draw

30% 6 / 20

Loss

25% 5 / 20

Scored

37

Conceded

31

Difference

+6

Bristol City

20 matches

Win

35% 7 / 20

Draw

30% 6 / 20

Loss

35% 7 / 20

Scored

24

Conceded

22

Difference

+2

Bristol City's form is bleaker. They've lost three of their last five Championship outings, including back-to-back home defeats to Sheffield United and Blackburn. Their only win in that stretch came against Watford.

Comparative Team Statistics: Middlesbrough vs Bristol City

History favours the visitors

Despite the current form gap, Bristol City have won three of the last four league meetings between these two, including a 2-0 away win last December. The most recent clash, back in March, ended level at 1-1. It's a reminder this fixture hasn't always gone the way the table would suggest.

Recent head-to-head results don't line up neatly with where these teams currently sit.

A big gap in the table

Middlesbrough sit third with 22 points from 11 games, built on six wins and just one defeat. Bristol City are down in 16th on 14 points, having lost five of their 11 league matches. That's a real gap in quality on paper.

On the table alone, Boro look the clear favourites at home.

Key men to watch

Middlesbrough's W. Lankshear has been in fine form, scoring six goals in his last eight appearances. Bristol City's threat looks more creative than clinical, with Rio Cardines chipping in six assists over the same span, while D. Ballard has managed three goals up front.

Middlesbrough:

Best scorers:

W. Lankshear - 6

Best assist providers:

L. Ayling - 2

Bristol City:

Best scorers:

D. Ballard - 3

Best assist providers:

Rio Cardines - 6

Penalty cards:

A. Randell x 1 x 1

Goals could be part of the story

Both teams have shown they can score and concede. Middlesbrough have been involved in plenty of open, high-scoring matches recently, and Bristol City have shipped goals in several defeats too. With Lankshear firing for the hosts and Cardines creating chances for the visitors, there's scope for goals even if the overall form points towards a home win.