2018-19 Sky Bet Championship: Week 39 – Saturday

Play-off chasing Middlesbrough welcome leaders, Norwich City to the one-off named Captain James Cook Stadium for a huge Championship clash. 

Boro have several teams lining up just below them to knock them out of the play-off spots, whilst Norwich’s lead could very well be down to a point come kick off therefore making victory a must for both teams. 

 

Team news

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Middlesbrough have a full squad available although there are some doubts. 

Mohamed Besic, Paddy McNair and George Saville missed training on Thursday after featuring in both international games for their countries, although are expected to be available for selection. 

Lewis Wing meanwhile is still nursing a groin injury and might not be risked here with Bristol City to come on Tuesday night. 

Norwich have a full squad available as Louis Thompson returns from a lengthy layoff with a knee injury. 

 

Form 

Middlesbrough enter this game with four defeats from their last seven and have lost their last two home games by a 2-1 result against Brentford and Preston North End respectively. 

Norwich are unbeaten in their last six and lost just one of their last five away games, although have kept just a single clean sheet on their travels in that time. 

 

Stat Attack 

• Middlesbrough have lost each of their last four meetings with Norwich without scoring. 
• Norwich won each of the last three meetings by 1-0 result. 
• Two of Ashley Fletcher’s last three goals at home for Middlesbrough have come in 32nd minute. 
• Norwich’s last seven away goals have all come from seven different goal scorers. 
• Middlesbrough have scored 40 league goals so far this season compared to 54 at the same stage last season. 

 

Prediction

With the run-in now underway, Middlesbrough need to buck their ideas up because they could very well start the match outside the play-offs, depending on earlier results. 

Norwich however are a difficult team to beat as seen on many an occasion this season making that first goal crucial because if the Canaries get it then they should get a comfortable win. 

I however am going for a Boro win because unlike Norwich, they cannot afford to drop points so will push throughout despite questionable displays by the defence in recent matches. 

Prediction: Middlesbrough 2-1 Norwich City