Middlesbrough returns to Championship action after a weekend off with a visit from Cardiff City on Tuesday evening with kickoff at 9:45 pm.
Traditionally, in the UK, one’s patience is tested when waiting for a bus. The Middlesbrough residents were keen to see their team win on Saturday as they had not tasted victory after five second-tier fixtures.
However, Chris Wilder’s side has won two of their last three games – the latest being a 1-0 victory over playoff-chasing Sunderland.
Riley McGree’s goal was the difference between the two sides as he struck late in the game to give Boro the bragging rights.
The Bluebirds failed to fire during a 2-0 defeat at Millwall, extending their winless streak to five games.
After a goalless first half, Charlie Cresswell and Benik Afobe both came off the bench to make the net ripple and help Millwall get back to winning ways.
Steve Morison’s side still has plenty of time to reverse their fortunes, but Cardiff sits 22nd in the rankings after eight games; they’ve only scored four goals and hold the unwanted honour of being the league’s worst attack.
Morison’s outfit has failed to score in four of their last five Championship battles, and it has been nearly seven years since Cardiff went four consecutive away games without finding the back of the net.
Middlesbrough vs Cardiff City Head to Head
Both sides have 21 games against each other, with hosts taking nine wins while visitors with ten wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
- Middlesbrough 1-0 Sunderland
- Watford 2-1 Middlesbrough
- Middlesbrough 2-1 Swansea
- Reading 1-0 Middlesbrough
Away
- Millwall 2-0 Cardiff City
- Cardiff City 1-2 Luton Town
- Cardiff City 0-0 Preston North End
- Bristol City 2-0 Cardiff City
Middlesbrough Team News
Middlesbrough goalkeeper Zack Steffen will miss the visit of Sunderland due to a knee injury, so Liam Roberts is on hand to deputise. Paddy McNair rolled his ankle last time out and will need assessing, but Wilder sang the praises of Anfernee Dijksteel after his substitute cameo, so McNair may very well be spared here.
Cardiff City Team News
Cardiff is still without the injured Kion Etete, Jamilu Collins and Ebou Adams. Callum O’Dowda’s hip injury hasn’t improved in time for him to take part in the defeat to Millwall. Callum Robinson may be able to displace Max Watters at the tip of their attack.
Prediction and Odds
Cardiff has a chance of a bit more bite on the attacking front, even if it’s only at home.
- Home Win
- Goals Under 2.5
- No Score: Away
