Preview : Middlesbrough vs Coventry City - Live streaming, lineups & Prediction

Middlesbrough vs Coventry City

SCHEDULE	TIME
GAME	Middlesbrough vs Coventry City
DATE	29.01.2022
TIME	10:00 AM (UTC)
VENUE	Riverside Stadium (Middlesbrough)
LEAGUE	ENGLAND: Championship - Round 29

TV Channel Info

More Information

Streaming starts 5 minutes before kick off

Match Preview

◉ Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder blasted the attitude of his players following a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn last time out, a defeat which perhaps brought the ‘Boro’ back down to earth following an eight-game unbeaten run prior (W7, D1). Even so, Middlesbrough remain in touch with the playoff places and have a game in hand, so they’re still right in the mix.

◉ The atmosphere around Teesside has shifted from forlorn hope to one of expectation, largely spurred on by Middlesbrough’s best run of home league wins (W4) since a seven-game run back in 2018. The belief in this Boro squad perhaps stems from Wilder’s influence, as they have risen from 14th place to become serious playoff contenders since his introduction.

◉ Sitting just two points behind Middlesbrough, Coventry City will also believe they can make a dash for the playoffs, especially if they can record a first league double over Middlesbrough since 1992/93. However, they may be hard pressed to do so after failing to win their last nine away league H2Hs (D3, L6). A win here would also represent Coventry’s first back-to-back league successes for the first time since September 2021, after they beat Peterborough 4-1 in their previous road trip - their biggest Championship away win since April 2008.

◉ However just three Championship sides have won fewer away league games than Coventry’s three this season, though their joint second league-high five draws shows they’re no pushovers. In fact, Coventry’s current five-game run of unbeaten Championship away games (W2, D3) is their longest since a six-game run ending back in 2001!

◉ Players to watch: He’s Slovenian, he’s only on loan for the season, but Middlesbrough fans think Andraž Šporar is brilliant after his four decisive match openers this season. For Coventry, Viktor Gyökeres’ decisive goal last time out put him in double figures for the league season, but that was his first goal since round 11.

◉ Hot stat: Only Blackburn have received more Championship yellow cards than Middlesbrough’s 64 this season (2.37 per match on average).

Middlesbrough starting lineup:
Lumley; Dijksteel, Fry, McNair; Jones, Crooks, Howson, Tavernier, Taylor; Watmore, Sporar

Coventry City starting lineup:
Moore; Hyam, McFadzean, Clarke-Salter; Da Costa, Sheaf, Hamer, Bidwell; Allen, Shipley; Gyokeres

Prediction

Middlesbrough 2-1 Coventry City

This match feels like a must-not-lose rather a must-win, and that could lead to a tense occasion. Nevertheless, taking everything into consideration, we can only see a narrow victory for the hosts, who may outlast their opponents on home territory.