Preston North End FC - Middlesbrough FC ai prediction 25.01.2025 Championship

Preview for match Preston North End vs Middlesbrough FC

The Championship clash between Preston North End and Middlesbrough FC, scheduled for Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 16:00, will take place at Deepdale Stadium. This encounter promises to be a pivotal moment in the season for both clubs, as they strive to secure crucial points in their respective campaigns. Preston North End currently finds itself in 15th place with 30 points, having recorded 6 wins, 12 draws, and 8 defeats, while Middlesbrough FC sits in a more favorable 6th position with 41 points, boasting 11 wins, 8 draws, and 7 defeats. The home side will look to capitalize on their home advantage to climb the table while the visitors aim to consolidate their playoff position.

In their previous encounter, both teams shared the spoils in a tightly contested 1-1 draw, showcasing the competitive spirit that has characterized their recent meetings. With Preston North End's home record standing at 5 wins, 7 draws, and just 2 defeats, they will be keen to leverage their familiarity with Deepdale to challenge Middlesbrough's ambitions. Conversely, Middlesbrough has demonstrated resilience on the road, achieving 5 wins, 3 draws, and 4 defeats in away fixtures. Given the stakes involved, this match is likely to be a hard-fought battle where both coaches, Paul Heckingbottom for Preston and Michael Carrick for Middlesbrough, will be eager to implement their tactical strategies effectively.

Our betting tip

In this matchup, our prediction leans towards a victory for Middlesbrough FC. Given their current form and standing in the league, they are expected to overcome Preston North End, who have struggled to secure consistent victories. Our main tip is for Middlesbrough to win the match (1x2). Additionally, considering the attacking capabilities of both teams, we anticipate that both teams will score in this encounter. Therefore, our second tip is "Both teams to score? Yes."

Our tips

Double Chance

1X

Preston North End have won or drawn 4 of their last 5 matches.

Middlesbrough FC have drawn or lost 4 of their last 5 matches.

Top odds at Betway

Total Goals

Under 4.5

There have been under 4.5 goals scored in 5 of Preston North End's last 5 matches.

There have been under 4.5 goals scored in 5 of Middlesbrough FC's last 5 matches.

Top odds at bet365

Total Goals

Under 2.5

There have been under 2.5 goals scored in 2 of Preston North End's last 5 matches.

There have been under 2.5 goals scored in 4 of Middlesbrough FC's last 5 matches.

Top odds at bet365

AI prediction for the match Preston North End vs Middlesbrough FC

In analyzing the statistics and form, the AI betting tip predicts that Middlesbrough FC is likely to emerge victorious in this Championship fixture against Preston North End. With a superior points tally and better overall performance in recent matches, the AI forecast suggests that Middlesbrough’s attacking prowess could prove decisive. Furthermore, considering both teams' defensive records, there is a high probability that both sides will find the net during the match.

Preston North End performance check

Preston North End has had a mixed season thus far, currently positioned 15th in the Championship table with 30 points. Under the guidance of manager Paul Heckingbottom, the team has managed to secure 6 wins, alongside an unusually high number of 12 draws, indicating their propensity to settle for stalemates rather than secure outright victories. The team’s goal tally stands at 28 goals scored, while they have conceded 34, revealing a slight imbalance in their defensive capabilities. In their last five fixtures, Preston has shown some resilience, recording 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 defeat. Their most recent outing resulted in a goalless draw against Luton Town, showcasing their defensive solidity, but also highlighting their struggles in front of goal.

How is the current performance of Middlesbrough FC

Middlesbrough FC has been enjoying a more successful campaign, sitting in 6th place with a total of 41 points. Managed by Michael Carrick, the team has achieved 11 victories, combined with 8 draws and 7 losses, which reflects a competitive edge necessary for playoff contention. Their offensive statistics are particularly impressive, having scored 43 goals while conceding only 32, indicating a more robust attack and a solid defense compared to their opponents. In their last five matches, Middlesbrough’s form has dipped slightly, with only 1 win, 2 draws, and 2 defeats, including a disappointing 1-2 loss against Portsmouth FC in their latest game. This inconsistency may prompt Carrick to reassess his tactical approach heading into this crucial match.

Last direct match

The last direct encounter between Preston North End and Middlesbrough FC ended in a 1-1 draw, a result that reflects the competitive nature of their recent matchups. This outcome illustrates that both teams are capable of matching each other in terms of performance, although Middlesbrough may have the edge in terms of current form.

Head-to-head last direct meetings

In the last five meetings between the two sides across all competitions, Preston North End has secured 2 victories, while Middlesbrough has also claimed 2 wins, with 1 match ending in a draw. This evenly matched head-to-head record adds an intriguing layer to the forthcoming encounter.

Performance last 5 matches

In their last five matches, Preston North End has recorded 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 defeat, indicating a degree of competitiveness. Conversely, Middlesbrough FC has managed only 1 win, alongside 2 draws and 2 defeats, suggesting a need for improvement as they aim to maintain their position in the playoff race.

Performance

Preston North End

Last games

Preston North End performance of the last 5 home matches

Victories

60%

Over 2.5

40%

Middlesbrough FC

Last games

Middlesbrough FC performance of the last 5 away matches

Victories

20%

Over 2.5

60%

Last match results Preston North End and Middlesbrough FC

Preston North End's last match resulted in a goalless draw against Luton Town, while Middlesbrough FC faced a disappointing 1-2 defeat against Portsmouth FC. These results will undoubtedly influence the teams’ morale heading into their next meeting.

Best odds and our betting tip

Considering the form and statistics, the best betting sites offer favorable odds for this encounter. It is advisable to explore various platforms to identify the most competitive lines for the match between Preston North End and Middlesbrough FC. Our experience with these betting sites suggests that they provide a reliable means of obtaining optimal odds for this Championship fixture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Middlesbrough FC enters this match as the favorites, owing to their superior league position and recent performances. Nevertheless, Preston North End's home advantage could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this fixture. Ultimately, it is anticipated that Middlesbrough will secure a victory, while also capitalizing on both teams' attacking tendencies.

Here are tomorrow's betting tips for those looking to maximize their betting potential based on the latest form and statistics.