Match Prediction
Match Prediction
England
Preview
The Middlesbrough vs Preston prediction is generating plenty of buzz ahead of Saturday’s early Championship kick-off at the Riverside Stadium. With both teams pushing for promotion and the betting odds favoring the home side, this fixture has all the ingredients for an intriguing sports betting opportunity. Let’s break down the tactics, recent form, and head to head numbers before diving into our expert betting tips and predictions.
Middlesbrough, currently sitting in 2nd place with 49 points from 27 matches, have been mixing strong attacking play with moments of defensive vulnerability. Their recent 3-2 away win at West Bromwich Albion showcased both their resilience and their ability to find goals when it matters. Manager Kim Hellberg has been getting the best out of creative talents like Callum Brittain—who leads the team in big chances created—and Morgan Whittaker, who is never shy to test the keeper.
On the other hand, Preston North End, holding 6th spot with 43 points, have been a bit inconsistent. Their last five games mirror Boro’s record—two wins and three losses—but a 0-3 home defeat to Hull City last time out will sting. Preston’s tactical approach often involves compact defending and quick transitions, but they’ll need to tighten up at the back if they want to take anything from their trip to Teesside.
The history books tell an interesting story in this fixture. Out of 26 previous meetings, Middlesbrough have won 10, Preston 7, with 9 draws. In the last five head to head games, Preston have the edge with two wins, one defeat, and two draws—including a lively 2-2 result in September 2025. These stats suggest that, while Boro are favorites, Preston are more than capable of making life difficult.
Both squads are dealing with injuries, which could impact the betting odds and final score prediction. Middlesbrough’s list includes Alex Bangura, Alfie Jones, and Callum Brittain among others, while Preston are missing Andrija Vukcevic. However, Boro’s squad depth and higher market value (€124.355m vs Preston’s €43.75m) could be a decisive factor.
Let’s talk numbers. The current betting odds show Middlesbrough as strong favorites for a home win at 1.55, a draw at 4.35, and a Preston victory at a distant 6.6. These odds reflect not just league position, but also the home side’s expected dominance in possession (a projected 67%) and attacking intent (19 shots predicted, versus 8 for Preston).
Our AI model at NerdyTips leans strongly towards a tight affair, with under 3.5 goals the standout pick. The projected final score is 2-1 to Middlesbrough, with a goalless first half likely as both sides feel each other out. Expect the home team to rack up the corners (9 predicted, compared to Preston’s 2) and shots on goal (5 vs 2). Discipline shouldn’t be a major issue, with just three yellow cards expected in total.
In summary, the Middlesbrough vs Preston prediction points to a home win in a match where defenses could be on top for long stretches. Sports betting fans should keep an eye on the under 3.5 goals market and consider the home win, but don’t rule out Preston making things nervy for the hosts. With both teams still in the promotion hunt, expect a tactical battle rather than a goal fest.
Read More
U3.5 -244
No more than 3 goals will be scored in the match with odds of -2441 -182
Middlesbrough is expected to win with odds of -182Under 3.5 -244
No more than 3 goals will be scored in the matchYes -109
Both teams are expected to score1X&U4.5 -263
Home win/draw and under 4.5 goals
0:0
2:1
|
|
8
-
7
-
7
|
|
 Preston |
13-Sep-25
2:2
| Middlesbrough  |
| Preston |
25-Jan-25
2:1
| Middlesbrough |
| Middlesbrough |
14-Sep-24
1:1
| Preston |
| Preston |
14-Feb-24
2:1
| Middlesbrough |
| Middlesbrough |
28-Nov-23
4:0
| Preston |
| Middlesbrough |
18-Mar-23
4:0
| Preston |
| Preston |
29-Oct-22
2:1
| Middlesbrough |
| Preston |
07-May-22
4:1
| Middlesbrough |
| Middlesbrough |
23-Nov-21
1:2
| Preston |
| Middlesbrough |
16-Mar-21
2:0
| Preston |
Recent Matches of Middlesbrough| 31 Jan |
Middlesbroug.
|
-
| Norwich.
| |
| 24 Jan | W |
Middlesbroug.
|
4:0
| Preston.
|
| 21 Jan | W |
Stoke.
|
1:2
| Middlesbroug.
|
| 16 Jan | W |
West Brom.
|
2:3
| Middlesbroug.
|
| 10 Jan | L |
Fulham.
|
3:1
| Middlesbroug.
|
| 04 Jan | W |
Middlesbroug.
|
4:0
| Southampton.
|
| 01 Jan | L |
Derby.
|
1:0
| Middlesbroug.
|
| 29 Dec | L |
Middlesbroug.
|
0:1
| Hull.
|
| 26 Dec | D |
Middlesbroug.
|
0:0
| Blackburn.
|
| 20 Dec | L |
Bristol City.
|
2:0
| Middlesbroug.
|
Recent Matches of Preston
| 24 Jan | L | Middlesbroug. |
4:0 |
Preston. |
| 20 Jan | L | Preston. |
0:3 |
Hull. |
| 17 Jan | L | Preston. |
0:1 |
Derby. |
| 09 Jan | L | Preston. |
0:1 |
Wigan. |
| 04 Jan | W |  Bristol City. |
0:2 |
Preston. |
| 01 Jan | W | Preston. |
3:0 |
Sheffield We. |
| 29 Dec | L |  Wrexham. |
2:1 |
Preston. |
| 26 Dec | D |  Stoke. |
0:0 |
Preston. |
| 20 Dec | D | Preston. |
1:1 |
Norwich. |
| 13 Dec | W |  Oxford Utd. |
1:2 |
Preston. |
England - Championship| Team | Matches | Goals | Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Coventry | 29 | 62-33 | 58 |
| 2 |
Middlesbrough | 29 | 46-29 | 55 |
| 3 |
Ipswich | 28 | 48-27 | 50 |
| 4 |
Hull City | 28 | 47-40 | 50 |
| 5 |
Millwall | 29 | 36-35 | 49 |
| 6 |
Wrexham | 29 | 43-37 | 44 |
| 7 |
Bristol City | 29 | 40-31 | 43 |
| 8 |
Watford | 28 | 39-33 | 43 |
| 9 |
Preston | 29 | 36-33 | 43 |
| 10 |
Stoke City | 29 | 34-26 | 42 |
| 11 |
Derby | 29 | 39-37 | 42 |
| 12 |
QPR | 29 | 40-42 | 40 |
| 13 |
Birmingham | 29 | 39-38 | 39 |
| 14 |
Leicester | 29 | 40-43 | 38 |
| 15 |
Southampton | 29 | 41-41 | 37 |
| 16 |
Swansea | 29 | 32-37 | 36 |
| 17 |
Sheffield Utd | 28 | 39-41 | 35 |
| 18 |
Norwich | 29 | 37-41 | 33 |
| 19 |
Charlton | 28 | 27-38 | 32 |
| 20 |
West Brom | 29 | 32-44 | 32 |
| 21 |
Portsmouth | 27 | 24-37 | 30 |
| 22 |
Blackburn | 28 | 26-37 | 29 |
| 23 |
Oxford United | 28 | 27-36 | 27 |
| 24 |
Sheffield | 28 | 18-56 | -7 |
