Two Northern rivals meet in an intriguing encounter at Elland Road on Sunday and with only 3 points separating the sides going into the game – it could be a fascinating battle. Leeds have struggled in recent weeks – losing their last 4 games in all competitions, which is sure to be a huge concern for Thomas Christensen. By contrast ‘Boro have won their last 3 games and will be relishing the opportunity to get going again after the international break.
Sky Bet Championship – Elland Road – Sunday 19th November 2017 – 13:15 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 11/5 at William Hill |
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Leeds
Middlesbrough FCLeeds United
After a swash-buckling start to the season, many were tipping Leeds to return to the Premier League following a decade in the doldrums but a run of 3 league defeats has stopped them in their tracks. With 24 points from their 16 games, there is plenty of time for the Yorkshire men to push back up the league and despite sitting in 10th place, they are only 3 points outside of the play off places. Samuel Saiz has impressed this season – scoring 8 goals already this term and he averages a goal every 159 minutes – a record he’ll be keen to improve upon..
Middlesbrough
Gary Monk will be relishing the opportunity to return to his former club with his side in such a rich vein of form. 3 consecutive wins have seen Boro push themselves right into play-off contention – although they are 9 points behind league leaders Wolves. Sat in 5th place, Boro have the meanest defence in the league – only conceding 13 goals in their 16 games so far, a key component for any team chasing promotion. Britt Assombalonga has been talismanic since his summer move from Nottingham Forest – bagging 8 goals already this term.
Head to Head
Leeds hold the advantage in the head to head records between the two sides – with 37 wins to 31 over Middlesbrough with another 27 games ending in draws. This is the first meeting between the two sides since February 2016 – which was a 0-0 draw at Elland Road whilst Middlesbrough picked up a 3-0 win at home to Leeds earlier in their promotion winning season.
Odds and Predictions
Both teams have found scoring goals relatively easy to come by this season.
Both teams to score – YES – looks a strong bet at Evens with William Hill.
Britt Assombalonga has scored 2 in his last 3 Championship games and looks to be in good form.
Britt Assombalonga to score anytime looks way overpriced at 13/8 with Uni Bet.
Boro have a resolute defence and won’t want to be too open away from home.
Under 3.5 goals in the match is a very good bet at 1/4 with Sporting Bet.
This tasty clash could well boil over in front of the TV cameras and the atmosphere promises to be electric.
A red card in the match could well be a logical bet at 7/2 with Paddy Power.
Score Prediction
Leeds United 1 – 1 Middlesbrough – 11/2 with William Hill.
Top Betting Tip
There will be no love lost between these two sides with Gary Monk returning to Elland Road and they could well cancel each other out. The match to finish as a draw and both teams to score looks a strong punt at 15/4 with Bet 365.