Cardiff City vs Middlesbrough: Betting Odds & Prediction

Cardiff City host Middlesbrough in South Wales as both sides come to terms with their failure to reach the Championship play-offs. 

Just a point separates the two in the table but a potential promotion to the Premier League is now out of reach with only two matches remaining. Kick-off is set for 3pm UK time at the Cardiff City Stadium. 

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Cardiff City

The hosts enter on the back of an impressive 2-1 home win over fourth-placed Southampton. The result wasn't enough to keep them in play-off contention though, and Erol Bulut's side resigned to a sixth successive season in the Championship. 

The Bluebirds will still hope to secure a first top-half finish in three seasons though, currently sitting in eleventh heading into the weekend. Cardiff have recorded four wins in their last six home matches, though the two losses have came in their last three. 

An average of 1.18 goals scored at home is a solid return but has been let down by an average of 1.27 conceded. Only 27% have seen Bulut's men keep a clean sheet, while 32% have seen them fail to find the back of the net. 

Middlesbrough

A 4-3 defeat to second-placed Leeds United on Monday night confirmed Middlesbrough's Championship status for next season. A win would have still left them with an uphill challenge to secure a play-off spot due to their inferior goal difference compared to the sides around them, but a return to the top-flight is now mathematically impossible for Boro with two matches left of the campaign. 

Michael Carrick's side can be proud of their efforts though, with Boro undefeated in ten heading into the Leeds match. Their away fixtures have played a key role in the run, with Boro unbeaten in their last five on the road. Their last three have ended in a draw. 

Unlike Cardiff, Boro boast a positive goal difference (+2) both home and away this term. An impressive return of 1.69 goals scored on their travels has left them more open at the back, leaving them with an average of 1.59 conceded. They've also kept a clean sheet in just 14% of away matches, though the same amount has also seen them fail to score. 

Prediction

Cardiff's recent form has been marred by inconsistency which has cost them a spot among the play-off places. In their last ten, they've won five and lost five, making it difficult to know what to expect from the South Wales outfit. 

Boro, meanwhile, were undefeated in ten prior to the match against Leeds on Monday and despite eventually losing the match, put up a galliant effort against one of the division's best sides. They've also enjoyed a good run in away fixtures lately, making them the sensible pick in this one.

OddsNow's Pick: Middlesbrough to win (11/10 @ Ladbrokes)