Middlesbrough vs Shrewsbury Town
4th September 1730hrs
Football – England – EFL Cup
Pick Home Win -2
Bookmaker Unibet
Odds: 6/1 odds taken 0800 GMT, Thursday 3 September
Neil Warnock’s Middlesbrough get their 2020-21 season up and running with a Carabao Cup tie with EFL League One side Shrewsbury Town on Friday evening. The EFL Championship outfit will be targeting a routine home win and a place in the second round. Check out our Carabao Cup betting preview, with the best odds and top tips.
Table of Contents
Middlesbrough Preview – Comfortable cup victory for Boro?
Before a ball was kicked in the 2019-20 Championship season, Middlesbrough, who were then managed by Jonathan Woodgate, were one of the favourites for promotion to the Premier League. However, after a poor start, it quickly became evident that Boro were set for a season of struggle instead.
When football returned from the enforced break in June, Woodgate did not last long in the Riverside Stadium dugout. Woodgate was quickly replaced by the experienced Neil Warnock, who was tasked to keep Middlesbrough in the Championship.
Middlesbrough went on to finish in 17th place in the league, winning three of their last five. On the final weekend of the season, Boro beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 at Hillsborough.
Warnock is a promotion specialist, and Middlesbrough’s main aim will be to finish in the play-offs this term. Before then, though, can they kick off the new season with a win in the cup on Friday night?
Shrewsbury Town Preview – Can Ricketts’ men cause an upset at the Riverside?
As the 2019-20 season was cut short in the EFL’s bottom two tiers, this will be Shrewsbury Town’s first competitive match since March. The Shrews had a poor end to their season, losing seven of their last ten league and cup matches.
Overall, Sam Ricketts’ side picked up ten wins, drew 11 times and suffered 13 defeats to finish in 15th place in League One. Town picked up just 41 points but were well clear of the drop zone.
Don’t miss out on other Betting Tips & Predictions
Click here for more Betting Tips
The highlight of their season was holding the mighty Liverpool to a draw at New Meadow in an Emirates FA Cup game back in January. The Shrews came from two goals down to draw 2-2 thanks to a Jason Cummings brace. Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, who went on to win the Premier League, won the replay 1-0 at Anfield.
Middlesbrough vs Shrewsbury Town Betting Advice
These two sides last went head-to-head in an FA Cup match in January 2012, which Boro won 1-0 at the Riverside. The last league encounter between the pair was way back in 1988. Middlesbrough have won the last three without conceding a single goal.
Key Facts – Middlesbrough vs Shrewsbury Town Betting Tip
- Middlesbrough have won the last three meetings, scoring six and shipping none
- The Shrews have not beaten Boro since May 1986
- Warnock won four and lost four of eight league matches in charge at the end of last season
Warnock’s Boro could be dark horses in the race for promotion to the Premier League this season. However, before they can start thinking about the Championship, the Teessiders must get past Shrewsbury in the cup on Friday.
In truth, Middlesbrough should have no problems in this cup tie. We like the look of 6/1 for the home team to win -2. Also, put some money on Boro to be winning at half time and full time at 7/4.
The best betting odds for Middlesbrough vs Shrewsbury Town
Middlesbrough to win: 3/4 at Bet365
Draw: 11/4 at Bet365
Shrewsbury Town to win: 10/3 at Bet365
