Eng. Championship
2013-02-23 - Middlesbrough vs Millwall
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : England : Championship
Wednesday 20th February - Kickoff 5:20pm
Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough were unlucky to draw with Burnley (0-0) midweek as they hit the framework of the goal several times. The draw leaves them in 6th but Brighton have caught them up and with a game in hand have a 2 point gap to close down.
Mowbray's side have been poor in 2013 losing 6 of 8. However, they have taken 4 points in their last 3 so there is signs of improvement as Boro look to hold onto a playoff place.
At home Boro's win over Leeds (1-0) last time out was their first in 3 games. The side lost back to back games following a 4 game winning run and it was critical that they got back to winning ways.
Middlesbrough haven't drawn a home game in 11 games in the league and I don't see that stat changing on Saturday. It's 17 straight home games that they have scored in but 1 clean sheet in 4 is a concern.
Millwall
Millwall lost 1-5 at home to Peterborough midweek to leave them down in 14th place. The side are 6 points above the drop zone and 10 off the playoffs so a few wins/losses back to back will shape what direction their season will end towards.
Jackett's side have lost 5 straight league games now as their playoff hopes diminish each week. 1 win in 10 is an awful return and the departure of Wood has really hurt them in the last 2 months.
Away from home Millwall has lost the last 2 league games and 4 of 6. The last away win came in November and it's hard to see this side suddenly going on a run especially on their travels.
No clean sheet in 6 is worrying and the last 2 times they shut sides out on the road they won both games. Millwall have scored 2 or more once in the last 7 away games whilst at the other end 4 of the last 6 home sides have scored 2 or more against them.
Betting Verdict
I'm going to back Middlesbrough to win this game. Millwall are on an awful run of 5 straight league defeats including a hammering by rock bottom Peterborough midweek.
Boro are at home which is a bonus for them and they were unlucky not to beat Burnley. The home form is good bar a "mini" 2 game blip and compared to Millwall's 2 game losing run away I like the hosts to sneak this one.
Millwall don't score a lot on their travels but 1 may be enough to hold Boro to a 1-1 draw. Both score looks a runner here but Boro are averaging 2 goals a game over their last 4 at home and if they keep that going on Saturday they win this game.
Good Luck
The Pick :
Middlesbrough 2-1 Millwall
