Middlesbrough seem to have moved on from last season's Championship play-off disappointment but they face a key test of their promotion credentials against fellow highflyers Wolves at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.
In an ideal world, Boro would prefer to sidestep the 2026/27 play-offs by securing a top two finish and with it automatic promotion.
But one of their main rivals in that battle are Wolves, who are determined to ensure that their latest stay in the Championship is as short as possible.
Wolves developed a losing habit last term but are clearly appreciating the substantial drop in class.
The Black Country outfit are averaging exactly two points per game and their only setback came at the London Stadium last month when they were beaten 4-2 by West Ham United.
Wolves were disappointed to be humbled by the Hammers, but they have fared better on some other tricky road trips, drawing 2-2 away to Birmingham City and winning 1-0 at Sheffield United.
However, Cesar Peixoto's side will appreciate the size of their task against Boro, who have the division's second-best home record after amassing 10 points at their north east base.
Middlesbrough v Wolves Tips Summary
Best Bet - Draw @ 27/10
Alternative Bet - Sebastien Berhalter anytime assist @ 7/2
Bet Builder - Will Lankshear to score anytime, Marshall Munetsi 1+ shots on target & Jordan James to be booked @ 14/1
Middlesbrough v Wolves Prediction
Best Bet: Draw @ 27/10
Wolves have shown their resilience and quality by taking seven points from four difficult away games, and they can share the spoils with Middlesbrough in a massive game for both teams.
Boro's quest to achieve a top-two placing is off to a strong start with 15 points accrued from eight games.
But they went into the break after a pair of 2-2 draws at home to Millwall and away to Birmingham, and could be drawn into another evenly-matched contest by Wolves, who are only a point worse off having played one game less.
Wolves have a few major injury concerns with Raul Jimenez battling a knee problem and Fer Lopez rated doubtful after withdrawing from Spain's U21 squad.
But they have a deep, talented squad as well as a strong mentality and those qualities could pave the way to adding another valuable point to their tally.
Alternative Bet: Sebastien Berhalter anytime assist @ 7/2
Middlesbrough's emergence as a Championship powerhouse has been influenced by some smart recruitment.
They have brought in a lot of talented players, including record signing Will Lankshear, who tops their scoring charts with six goals, and offensive midfielder Sebastien Berhalter, who joined from MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps.
Berhalter has set up 16 Championship chances this season with only one of them leading to a goal.
He is a regular source of creativity and may double his assist tally this weekend.
Middlesbrough v Wolves Bet Builder Tip
Will Lankshear to score anytime
Marshall Munetsi 1+ shots on target
Jordan James to be booked
Pays 14/1
Middlesbrough took a chance with their substantial outlay (a reported initial £10 million rising to a potential £20 million) to secure striker Lankshear from Tottenham Hotspur.
But it looks like a case of money well spent with the 21-year-old scoring eight goals in his first 11 league and cup appearances for the club.
Lankshear has scored five of his six league goals in home games and he can add to that total against Wolves, who have kept just one clean sheet in their four Championship away games.
Wolves may look to fight fire with fire by pursuing an attacking approach.
They have some dangerous offensive players, including midfielder Marshall Munetsi, who is never afraid to try his luck.
Munetsi has had 16 goal attempts in league games this season and looks a solid wager to at least force a save out of Boro keeper Radek Vitek.
Given the importance of the game, there should be plenty of edge to the midfield exchanges.
Combative Wolves midfielder Jordan James is usually in the thick of the action and he looks overpriced for a caution.
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Key Match Stats
Middlesbrough have drawn their last two matches
Four of Middlesbrough's last six Championship games have featured at least four goals
Four of the last five league meetings between the teams have generated goals for both sides
Boro have scored in each of their last 12 league fixtures
Wolves have lost just one of their last nine league games
Wolves have started the scoring in each of their last three league matches
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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.
