TWO clubs expected to be there or thereabouts in the promotion race come the end of the season meet in the early Championship game when Middlesbrough host Derby. Ross Casey (@Rosscasey24) picks out his best bets.
Middlesbrough v Derby | Saturday 27th October 2018, 12:30 | Sky Sports
The Championship has been very close this season, with the fact that just six points separate top from 13th place after 14 games proof. Middlesbrough sit in second place, despite the fact they have won just three of their last nine matches in the league.
Boro have failed to score in each of their last three home games also, so it is a bit of a surprise to see them available at 5/4 here making them firm favourites to win. However, prior to last season's home defeat, the Teessiders had won nine of their previous 10 home league games against the Rams.
Derby head into this fixture on the back of back-to-back victories, including a stunning 4-1 success on Wednesday night away at West Brom, and a 2-1 home win over league leaders Sheffield United. Some will be keen to get on them at 29/10 to win here, just as they did on their last visit, where they won 3-0.
Middlesbrough
As noted above, the incredible start to Boro's campaign has waned a little, with just three wins in their last nine compared to four wins from five at the start of the season. An interesting angle I have found to their matches is that Both Teams To Score has only landed in three of their 17 games – that is a percentage success rate of just 17%.
That is likely the reason that Both Teams To Score ‘No' is odds-on with a best price of 20/23.
Add to this the fact that five of the last six matches between these sides at the Riverside have followed the same suit and you have plenty of reasons to back this selection.
Derby
Frank Lampard has enjoyed a moderate amount of success since entering the managerial world and has so far led his Derby side to fifth in the Championship, only two points off top spot.
Results have been a little inconsistent at times, including just one win from their last five games on the road, but that was a very impressive 4-1 win at The Hawthorns last Wednesday night. It is interesting to note that this is an early kick-off and Boro have had an extra day's rest as they played on Tuesday.
We have pointed out the likelihood of both teams not to score above, but Derby are almost the opposite, featuring in games that HAVE featured Both Teams To Score in six of their last seven.
Their attack is frightening at times, with pace, precision and quality throughout their squad. and they have netted 29 goals already this season across all competitions.
The betting angle
Middlesbrough are struggling to score goals at home, but against a Derby side that have conceded in six of their last seven games, I fancy them to find their shooting boots.
Of course, I am going to back Derby – who are full of confidence and attacking impetus at the moment to score too, so I am willing to go against the market here and back Both Teams To Score with a best price of 21/20 with Sportingbet.
Best Bets
Middlesbrough v Derby – Both Teams To Score (21/20 Sportingbet)
