Middlesbrough v Man Utd

MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough are in really hard situation at the end of this season, and are seriously involved in relegation dog-fight. With only 4 games to go, they are second from bottom, and 3 points away from safe zone.

It’s always hard to come to this stage of the season looking for survival, and Middlesbrough will have to fight their way to next season’s Premiership football in few hard battles. After tomorrow’s game against United, they will be involved in crucial six-pointer at St James in their next round, while against Europe chasing Aston Villa they can’t expect easy points too. They play their last match this season against West Ham, who might be disinterested at that time, but leaving survival matters for last round is surely not too wise.


Manchester UnitedManchester United are still chasing records in England and Europe, and their dream of winning quadruple is still alive. They were really impressive in Wednesday’s Champions League Semi-final against Arsenal, and could easily finish their job if there wasn’t Gunners’ keeper Almunia. But Sir Alex Ferguson and his team can be satisfied with their performance.

In English Premier League, United are 3 points clear to Liverpool at the top of the table, and with one game in a hand they have realistic chances to retain Premiership crown.

Team news

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is without defenders Chris Riggot and Enamuel Pogatetz who are both out injured.

Manchester United boss sir Alex Ferguson will be definitely without Rio Ferdinand and probably Jonny Evans, and Wes Brown will probably partner Nemanja Vidic in heart of United defense for the first time in three months.

Betting verdict

Middlesbrough will have hard time tomorrow against Manchester United, but they are really strange and unpredictable side, so anything’s possible. They are unbeaten on their Riverside Stadium since Boxing Day defeat to Everton, and despite they tied 5 out of 7 home games in that period, unbeaten run at home and few decent results at home this season could be source of much needed confidence for Southgate’s side.

Middlesbrough have to act quickly in order to save their Premiership status, and they have to start that job tomorrow. Against Manchester United they are of course underdogs, and their chances to take anything tomorrow are probably slim, but not as slim as bookmakers’ odds suggest. Prices around 7.00 are too high for any home team in Premier League, and backing Middlesbrough at those odds is pure value.

Middlesbrough to win @7.00 Betfred, Coral, Paddy Power or @7.60 Betfair, stake 1/10

Correct score 1-0 @15.00 Blue Square, stake 0.5/10

Result: Middlesbrough vs Manchester United 0-2

Profit: -1.5