Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth take on Championship side Middlesbrough in what promises to be an entertaining clash at the Vitality Stadium – the Cherries have had a tough start to the season and find themselves in a relegation battle. Middlesbrough too have struggled this term since their relegation from the Premier League- failing to win any of their last 4 league games.
EFL Carabao Cup – Vitality Stadium – Tuesday 24th October 2017 19:45 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 3 at Ladbrokes |
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Bournemouth
Middlesbrough FCBournemouth
Bournemouth are currently sat in 19th place in the Premier League table – 4 points from safety. Their fixture list this season has been a little unkind as they’ve had to play Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham. So far during their Premier League tenure, goals have been a hallmark of their play – this season however they’ve only managed 5 goals in their 9 games in all competitions. Jermain Defoe has struggled since his summer move from Sunderland and he will be looking to add to his solitary strike for the Cherries this season.
Middlesbrough
Garry Monk has made a slow start in settling into life at the Riverside but will be confident he has enough quality at his disposal to make a promotion push. Boro’ currently sit in 11th place in the Championship but are only 3 points off the play-off places despite failing to win in their last 4 matches. Britt Assombalonga has scored 6 goals in his 12 Middlesbrough appearances so far and is beginning to pay back his £15 million transfer fee.
Head to Head
Middlesbrough hold a 7:3 advantage in the head to head records between the two sides whilst a further 7 games have finished as draws. The two sides met in the Premier League last season with Middlesbrough winning 2-0 at home in October 2016 whilst the Cherries got revenge with a 4-0 thumping in April 2017 thanks to goals from Josh King, Charlie Daniels, Benik Afobe and Marc Pugh.
Odds and Predictions
Both teams have struggled to score consistently this season but haven’t been able to defend either.
Both teams to score – YES – looks a smart move at 21/20 with Ladbrokes.
Jermain Defoe is struggling to maintain a starting birth in the Premier League and could get his chance here.
Jermain Defoe to score anytime is a savvy punt at 11/8 with Betfred.
This could be a cagey encounter between two teams that will be desperate to progress.
Under 2.5 goals in the game is a strong bet at 11/10 with Sky Bet.
Both teams could cancel each other out in normal time and take the game to extra time.
The match to finish as a draw (after 90 minutes) pays a healthy 3/1 with Coral.
Score Prediction
Bournemouth 1 -1 Middlesbrough – 15/2 with William Hill.
Top Betting Tip
Bournemouth could use this game to kick start their season. Bournemouth to qualify for the next round and Jermain Defoe to score anytime as a double pays a tempting 3.36.