Bitesize Prediction: Middlesbrough vs Birmingham – 21/10/23

Competition: Championship

Market: Both teams to score

Odds: 4/5 @ Pribet

In what could prove to be an enjoyable affair from the Riverside on Saturday afternoon, Middlesbrough will welcome Birmingham to town.

Starting with the hosts, while Middlesbrough might have opened up the new campaign in the midst of a public struggle, Michael Carrick’s side have come roaring back in some style. Last seen heading into October’s international break with a stunning 4-0 romp against local rivals Sunderland, the Reds should be relishing their return on Saturday afternoon. Appearing to have turned a real corner over the past month, the one-time Manchester United coach now has his sights set on mounting another genuine play-off charge. Signing off September with an action-packed 3-2 win against Watford, Middlesbrough have also gained a recent reputation for their performances in the final third. In fact, along with a 2-1 win against Southampton last month, Carrick’s side have notched 13 strikes on their five-match winning run. Skyrocketing their way up the Championship standings, Boro also claimed a thumping 3-1 victory when they made the trip to St. Andrew’s back on January 2nd.

As for the visitors, getting a new era underway on Saturday afternoon after they shockingly appointed Wayne Rooney last week, Birmingham will be desperate to lay down an early marker here. While many might have been shocked after now-former boss John Eustace was relieved of his duties at St. Andrew’s, it appears that the Blues have their sights set on mounting a genuine play-off charge this time around. Heading into October’s international break with a stunning 3-1 victory against local rivals West Brom, the former England skipper finds his squad currently sat in the top-six and holding just a one-point buffer over the chasing pack. Claiming a 4-1 romp against Huddersfield earlier in the month, Birmingham have now lost just one of their previous four Championship appearances. Bouncing back from their rocky start to the 2023/24 campaign, Rooney’s side will be hoping to pull off a potential upset at the Riverside this weekend.

Bet: Both teams to score at Middlesbrough vs Birmingham 4/5 for Saturday’s Championship matchup @ Pribet