Prediction: Middlesbrough vs Coventry

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 12/11

Bookmaker: Unibet

With a spot in the final of this season’s Championship play-off race up for grabs on Wednesday night, Middlesbrough will welcome Coventry to the Riverside for their second-leg meeting.

Middlesbrough

Starting with the hosts, while Middlesbrough might have gained a string of plaudits since they welcomed Michael Carrick to the Riverside, it is fair to say that the north west they are enduring a recent wobble. Despite cruising their way to a play-off spot this season, the former Manchester United coach finds his squad in the midst of a four-match winless run. However, playing out a first-leg 0-0 stalemate when they traveled to the Midlands for their first-leg showdown last week, Boro will still feel that they’re sat in pole position to punch their Wembley ticket on Wednesday night. Signing off their Championship campaign with a 1-1 draw against Coventry on home soil, Carrick will have a headache over his side’s recent issues in the final third. Drawing a blank in their first-leg meeting last week, it should be highlighted that Middlesbrough have found the net on just one occasion in over 300 minutes of action.

Team News

In what could be a major boost for Middlesbrough on Wednesday night, Carrick is hopeful that the midfield duo of Aaron Ramsey and Jonny Howson will be able to play some part at the Riverside. However, still dealing with a long-term back injury, 26-year-old Matt Clarke will once again miss out here.

While attacking talisman Chuba Akpom might have failed to find the net in his last three appearances, the one-time Arsenal starlet will spearhead Boro’s attack in midweek. Akpom will likely be joined in the final third by Aston Villa-loanee Cameron Archer.

Coventry

As for the visitors, although Coventry might have put in a toothless display on home soil last week as they failed to record a single shot on target, Mark Robins’ side have continued to impress many this season. While the Blues might have been dealing with some public issues behind the scenes over recent times, they are still dreaming of the chance to secure a famous Premier League return. Unbeaten in each of their last eight meetings against Championship opposition, the midweek guests will be desperate to spring one more upset here. Losing just one of their last five meetings against Wednesday’s hosts, Robins’ side have also gained a reputation for their continued success on the road. Signing off their Championship campaign with a 1-1 draw at the Riverside on May 8th, Coventry have not suffered a single defeat outside of the Midlands from their previous nine appearances – a run that stems all the way back to February 3rd.

Team News

Coventry have confirmed that they will travel to the Riverside on Wednesday night without the trio of Kasey Palmer, Fabio Tavares and Callum O’Hare. Likewise, picking up a knock in their first-leg showdown last week, the Blues are also sweating over the fitness of Gustavo Hamer.

Notching 21 Championship strikes this season and gaining plenty of Premier League interest, attacking star Viktor Gyokeres will lead Robins’ attack in midweek. Despite bagging just a single goal in his previous six appearances, 31-year-old Matthew Godden will once again partner Gyokeres.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Middlesbrough and Coventry met for their first-leg meeting last week, the two sides played out a 0-0 stalemate in the Midlands.
• Likewise, both sides signed off their Championship campaign with a 1-1 draw at the Riverside of May 8th.
• Middlesbrough have claimed just a single victory from any of their previous five meetings against Wednesday’s guests.
• Likewise, Carrick’s side have managed to bag just a single strike in over 300 minutes of action.
• Each of the last five meetings between Middlesbrough and Coventry have finished with under 2.5 goals.

Conclusion

With both sides playing out a cagey 0-0 stalemate when they met for their first-leg showdown last week, neutrals could be treated to another nervy night here. Playing out a 1-1 draw at the Riverside when Middlesbrough and Coventry closed their Championship campaign on May 8th, they do have a habit of producing low-scoring affairs. With the Blues failing to muster a single shot on target last week, it is also worth highlighting that each of the last five straight meetings between the play-off semi-finalists have finished with under 2.5 goals. Likewise, with Boro recording just a single strike in over 300 minutes of action, chances could come at a premium on Wednesday night.

Verdict: Both teams to score – No

Best Odds: 12/11

Bookmaker: Unibet