Leeds United v Middlesbrough: Prediction, Tips and Odds

The Championship promotion race has been hotly contested and Leeds United have picked up the pace in recent weeks by winning four of their last five matches.

Daniel Farke’s side climbed to the summit with Saturday’s 2-0 victory at home to Derby County, but were nudged back down to second place on Sunday when Sheffield United drew 2-2 at West Brom.

Opponents Middlesbrough finished the weekend in fifth place, but could be reasonably content after their point against Burnley kept them inside the play-off positions.

Leeds United v Middlesbrough betting tips and predictions

Middlesbrough or draw double chance - 1/1

Boro came through a stern test on Friday by drawing at Burnley and they can follow up by avoiding defeat at arguably the toughest venue in the Championship.

Michael Carrick’s side will have a great deal of respect for Leeds, who have won their last seven home matches while conceding just one goal.

But they are not fazed by difficult challenges and have already had a positive Elland Road experience this season, winning 3-0 in the EFL Cup first round.

Boro’s goal at Burnley was the first the Clarets had conceded on home soil since September.

And it probably should have been added to in the second half when defender George Edmundson headed wide of the target when it seemed easier to score.

Middlesbrough carved out the clearer chances against the Clarets and they will look to play positively against Leeds as they seek to reaffirm their intention to push for automatic promotion.

The Teessiders are seven points below their hosts and probably feel they should have a higher total because their xG (34.34) is the second highest in the division.

Leeds’s xG (36.01) is slightly higher, but they have had less preparation time than their opponents and that could be key in a contest of fine margins.

The Yorkshire giants dominated their weekend 2-0 victory at home to Derby, but they could be drawn into a much more even contest by Boro and are by no means certain to justify odds-on favouritism.

Finn Azaz to score any time - 7/2

Boro’s Republic of Ireland international Finn Azaz has been the most effective attacking midfielder in the Championship - contributing six goals and seven assists - and he could be a difference maker against Leeds.

He has netted five goals in his last four matches and looks a tempting 7/2 shot to add to his tally.

Max Wober to be carded - 21/10

Max Wober was a scoring substitute for Leeds in Saturday’s victory over Derby, but he will be needed from the start against Boro and may go through a more difficult experience.

The Austrian centre-back was required to slot in at left-back as a replacement for Junior Firpo, who limped off with a hamstring strain after only 20 minutes.

Wober acquitted himself well and was able to get forward on numerous occasions against a cautious Rams side who sat deep and rarely threatened from open play.

However, the 26-year-old will be tested far more by the Teessiders and their pacy Liverpool loanee Ben Doak, who has been excelling on the right of Boro’s attack.

Doak loves to commit opposition defenders and his pace and trickery could cause a few issues for Wober, who is 21/10 to be booked.

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Leeds United v Middlesbrough odds

Leeds United - 3/4
Draw - 11/4
Middlesbrough - 10/3

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.