Bristol City v Middlesbrough Betting Tips – EFL Championship, 31st August 12.30pm
Saturday’s action in the EFL Championship kicks off at 12:30am at Ashton Gate, as Lee Johnson’s Bristol City entertain Jonathan Woodgate’s Middlesbrough. The Robins are one of the in-form sides in the second tier at present, winning each of their last three to move up to fourth. As for Boro, they have taken four points from their last two games after a poor start. Will Bristol City make it four Championship wins on the spin this Saturday? Can Middlesbrough pick up their first away victory under Woodgate?
Bristol City v Middlesbrough Betting Odds*
Bristol City 21/20
Draw 12/5
Middlesbrough 11/4
* (Betting Odds were taken from bet365 on August 29th, 2019 at 16:30 p.m.)
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Table of Contents
Bristol City News and Form – Four league wins in a row for the Robins?
Lee Johnson’s Bristol City made a sluggish start to their season, picking up one point from two league games. They were also knocked out of the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle. Before losing on penalties to Queens Park Rangers in the first round of the EFL Cup, City lost to Leeds United and drew with Birmingham City in the Championship.
Since then, though, Bristol City have been in red-hot form. The Robins finally kick started their league season with a 2-0 home win over QPR, which they followed up with an excellent 2-1 victory at Derby County just a few days later.
Last weekend, the Robins made it three wins in a row with a convincing victory at Hull City. The Tigers started well, but Benik Afobe’s penalty put the visitors a goal up four minutes before the break, though Jarrod Bowen levelled for Hull shortly after. However, Bristol City ended the strongest, with late goals from Reece Burke and Afobe sealing a 3-1 win at the KCOM Stadium.
Johnson’s side have hit their stride, and City are certainly capable of making it four Championship wins on the bounce with three points against Middlesbrough on Saturday.
Bristol City v Middlesbrough Head to Head
Last season, both Championship meetings were won by the away side
Back in August 2018, Martin Braithwaite and Britt Assombalonga scored in a 2-0 Boro win at Ashton Gate
When they last met, Bristol City won 1-0 at the Riverside in April, with Adam Webster scoring the only goal of the game
Since a 1-1 draw back in March 2012, Bristol City have won six of the following eight meetings
- Bristol City have won their last three in the Championship
- Middlesbrough are unbeaten in two (one win, one draw)
- Boro picked up 37 away points in the Championship last season
Middlesbrough News and Form – Can Woodgate get a first away win?
After going four league and cup matches without a win, Jonathan Woodgate picked up his first victory as Boro boss with a 1-0 triumph over Wigan Athletic at the Riverside Stadium last week. The Teesside outfit followed that up with a 1-1 draw with Millwall last Saturday, with Paddy McNair getting the Boro goal.
Before that vital win over Wigan, Middlesbrough had started the season with one draw and three defeats in all competitions. In the Championship, they drew 3-3 at Luton Town in their opening game before falling to back-to-back 1-0 losses to Brentford and Blackburn Rovers respectively. Boro were also knocked out of the EFL Cup, losing on penalties at home to EFL League Two side Crewe Alexandra.
Despite playing some unattractive football at times and struggling at the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough only just missed out on the play-offs under Tony Pulis last season. Woodgate was brought in to get the club back into the top six this term.
Middlesbrough have definitely picked up after a slow start, but Saturday’s trip to Ashton Gate will be a tough one for Woodgate and his side. Boro are second favourites, with the bookies pricing them at 11/4 to get the win in Bristol.
Bristol City v Middlesbrough Tips & Odds
Bristol City to win at 21/20
3-1 correct score – Bristol City at 16/1
* (Betting Odds were taken from bet365 on August 29th, 2019 at 16:33 p.m.)
Bristol City v Middlesbrough Predictions
Bristol City win: The Robins started their season in the worst possible way, losing 3-1 at home to Championship title favourites Leeds. They were then held to a draw at Birmingham before losing to QPR in the cup. However, their response since has been excellent. The Robins will be hoping to make it 12 points from four games with victory over Middlesbrough on Saturday. I’m backing the hosts to prevail at 21/20.
Last time out, Afobe (2) and Burke were on the scoresheet in an impressive 3-1 victory against Hull at the KCOM Stadium. For a repeat scoreline at the weekend, check out the top price of 16/1.
