Middlesbrough welcome Stoke in the Sky Bet Championship on Tuesday evening. James Cantrill previews the game, picking out his best bet.
Football betting tips: Championship
2pts Chuba Akpom anytime goalscorer at 6/4 (bet365)
Burnley made it 19 wins from their last 24 league games on Saturday extending their lead at the top of the Championship to 13 points.Their return to the top flight appears a formality; the race for the second automatic spot is far from over though.
Sheffield United began the weekend seven points clear of Middlesbrough, however defeat at home by Luton and victory for Michael Carrick's side at Swansea saw the gap narrow to four points.
No second-tier side has won more points (27) this calendar year, with Carrick’s tenure averaging 2.3 per game and they have won seven of their last eight.
The momentum is with Boro.
Kick-off time: 20:00 GMT, Tuesday
TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event
Middlesbrough 4/5 | Draw 13/5 | Stoke 10/3
Three points is not the only thing becoming synonymous with this Middlesbrough side, goals are as well.
Since Carrick took the reins, no Championship side has found the net more times (45) than Middlesbrough; the rejuvenated CHUBA AKPOM has had a hand in 42% of those goals.
The frontman wrapped up their latest victory with a spot-kick, taking his domestic tally to 22 for the season, a figure only Erling Haaland can better in England’s top four divisions.
It’s funny how quickly things can change in football. After reporting late to pre-season, the former Arsenal man was made to train with the under-21’s.
It looked like his time on Teesside would finish with a whimper, having only managed to muster a measly five goals in his first 40 appearances.
Even at the restart, he was 33/1 finish as Championship top goalscorer.
His 23 goals in all competitions this season make up 36% of his career tally and with the form he is in backing him to SCORE ANYTIME is the play.
Middlesbrough v Stoke best bets and score prediction
- 2pts Chuba Akpom anytime goalscorer at 6/4 (bet365)
Score prediction: Middlesbrough 3-1 Stoke (Sky Bet odds: 12/1)
Odds correct at 1230 GMT (13/03/23)
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