Middlesbrough v Derby: Southgate’s Side Silences the Rams?
The bottom side may have picked up some pride following their 1-0 defeat at home to Manchester United but unfortunately like most weekends, they still lost. Despite travelling to a misfiring but defensively solid Boro side this Saturday, Premier 10 players should expect the same result if they want to win the £18,500 jackpot on offer.
High Scoring in the Head to Head
Boro’s 1-0 win at Pride Park in mid-December was the first encounter between these two clubs in 5 years. Historically this fixture is a high scoring affair with 34 goals scored in the last 5 matches between both Middlesbrough and Derby at the Riverside. However, this match should be anything but the way these sides have been performing recently. Boro have only scored more than a single goal in a match once in the last 14 games whereas the Rams have failed to score in 4 of their last 5 League games. So don’t expect a goal-fest!
Boro Becoming Draw Specialists
Gareth Southgate’s side may have picked up an impressive point at the Emirates but they are still without a League win in the last 4 matches (2 defeats). This Boro side rarely concede a lot of goals but they also rarely score many which has resulted in 5 draws in the last 9 matches. Only Liverpool have drawn more games than Middlesbrough’s eleven this season. They’ve conceded more than a single goal in just one of their last 9 matches and that was at Anfield. This could be the match for £12million club record signing Afonso Alves to finally get off the mark if he can shake off a minor hamstring injury as the Rams defence is both slow and old. Surely if he is going to score against anyone in this division, then it has to be Derby. After all, Paul Jewell’s side have conceded 39 goals in 15 away games this season. This includes the 6 goal thrashing they received in their last away game at Stamford Bridge.
Rams Returning to Where They Came From
The Rams short stay in the top flight will soon be at an end, they’re currently 17 points adrift of safety and can only pick up a maximum 24 points if they won all 8 remaining games. We all know that’s not going to happen! Paul Jewell has yet to win a game in his 3 months in charge and Derby have not tasted a League win since September. That win over Newcastle remains their solitary Premier League success. The Rams have been rock bottom since late October and have kept just 1 clean-sheet in the last 20 matches. Even the 8 new signings in January have failed to make an impact on the ailing side, so Championship football here Derby come!
Boro are not a good side and are hardly in the best of form but they should possess enough quality to beat the Premier League whipping boys Derby. Premier 10 players may want to cover the home win with a draw as the Rams have drawn at both Birmingham and Newcastle in recent months. However, backing Boro is the best option if you want to be in the running for the £18,500 rollover jackpot this weekend.
Pundit’s Pick: Derby almost down and out (home win) Do you agree with this result for your Premier 10 prediction? Play Now>>
Tags: Boro, Derby, Middlesbrough, Premier 10, Premier League preview, Rams
