Middlesbrough v Sunderland: Predictions, tips and bet builder as rivals clash in promotion race
Michael Carrick
Middlesbrough’s clash with Sunderland promises to be an entertaining affair on Monday night, as we stick a few pennies on the visitors to kick chunks out of their neighbours in a tight tussle.
The Black Cats trail Sheffield United by six points in the promotion race, with Boro just the wrong side of the dotted line in the race for the play-offs.
Monday’s bet builder is priced at 25/1 with Paddy Power at the time of writing.
Middlesbrough vs Sunderland bet builder
Sunderland shown the most cards - 4/5
Enzo Le Fee to be booked - 7/2
Match result: Draw
There’s little to separate these rivals on paper and we suspect that may be reflected in Monday night’s scoreline.
Expected goals suggest both sides will produce in the region of 1.2xG at the Riverside, which could mean a repeat of the 1-1 draw played out here 364 days ago.
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Two draws in three matches have cost the Black Cats ground in the promotion race, while Boro, who are unbeaten inside 90 minutes in eight meetings on home soil, have drawn three of their last four at home.
Over 4.5 cards shown
When you combine the season averages of these rivals, you end up with 3.75 cards per match. Boro can claim to be the most disciplined side in the Championship with just 44 cards.
However, we must consider that this is going to be a feisty affair, and the visitors are one of the less disciplined sides. They’ve also shown their willingness to fight against other top sides.
Seven fixtures against Boro, Burnley, Leeds and Sheffield United produced 31 yellows and three reds, which averages 4.85 cards or 55 booking points per game.
Enzo Le Fee to be booked
Jobe Bellingham (7), Patrick Roberts (7), Trai Hume (7), Wilson Isidor (6), Chris Rigg (6) and Chris Mepham (6) have often featured in the referee’s notebook this season.
Despite that, we’re drawn to one of the bigger prices in the pack, with Enzo Le Fee 7/2 to receive a card.
In his three starts for his new side, he’s completed seven tackles and committed six fouls, with his involvement in the press and eagerness to make an impression major factors.