Portsmouth - Middlesbrough predictions

Portsmouth will likely try to secure a draw at most. They are outclassed by Middlesbrough, plain and simple, and most bookies online agree with this – after all, the betting odds on a home win for this match are 4.33.

If everything goes according to plan and Middlesbrough put their best foot forward we expect to see an away win in this match.

Portsmouth are coming off from a harsh home defeat (3:0). Considering the difficult match-up against Blackburn Rovers and the home-field disadvantage, the result was entirely predictable, even after the draw at half-time.

The Boro haven’t exactly been playing top of their game lately. Last round’s home draw 1:1 against Cardiff City was far from a disaster, but most of us – including the world’s best online bookmakers – expected a lot more considering they played at home.

Portsmouth have been having issues defending lately, though it’s mostly affected their away games for now. They’ve recorded 5 concessions in the past 3 games as visitors.

The Boro fans have a lot of cause for concern – with 6 concessions in their latest 3 away games, their track record seems to indicate a tendency to underperform in away games.

These two teams reached a stalemate earlier in this season of the Championship. Middlesbrough were expected to win that game and even had the support of their home fans. The roles are reversed this time, but the 1.85 betting odds for an away win tell us they still have a decent shot at redeeming themselves.

Though the visitors are favourites here, it’s important to note they’ll be playing without Jonathan Howson, Seny Dieng, Alex Bangura, Darragh Lenihan, Tommy Smith, Marcus Forss, Luke Ayling, Aidan Morris, Tommy Conway, Solomon Brynn due to injury. On the flip side, the hosts will also be several players short – namely, Jordan Archer, Jacob Farrell, H. Blair, Mark O’Mahony have also reported injuries.

You can safely put down an Over 2.5 Goals bet on this match and feel very confident. If the teams’ records are any indication, 3 or more goals in this match are almost guaranteed.