Competition: Championship
market: Over 1.5 goals
Odds: 2/5 @ Pribate
Burnley travel to the Riverside when they visit Middlesbrough on Sunday night, hoping to find their way back into the automatic promotion spots.
Middlesbrough will be desperate to avoid any signs of a hangover here, starting with the hosts, victims of an infamous second-half collapse at home against Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day. Finally forced to settle for a sensational 3-3 stalemate at the Riverside, Michael Carrick’s men will be seeking an immediate response on Sunday night. Having missed a golden opportunity to find a way back into the play-off spots, the former Manchester United coach should prepare himself for another tough test on home soil. While Boro could still start 2025 as top-six contenders, they have recorded just one win from any of their previous five championships. Falling to a routine 3-1 defeat away to Leeds earlier in the month, Carrick’s side also showed some increased defensive issues. It should be noted, Middlesbrough have registered just one clean sheet in any of their last 12 consecutive outings – a run that stretches back to October 23rd.
Burnley will be looking to repeat what was a major upset for the visitors on Boxing Day as they claimed a 2-0 win away to Sheffield United. The new year finds spirits in their camp at a real high as Scott Parker’s men aim for an immediate return to the Premier League. Looking to skyrocket themselves into the automatic promotion spots here, the former Fulham boss has seen his squad win each of their previous three championships by an aggregate score of 6-2. Likewise, now unbeaten in their last 10 games in a row – a run that goes back to No. 3 – Burnley continue to shine with their success away from Turf Moor. The Clarets have won all four of their previous showdowns away from Lancashire, including a 2-1 win over Norwich earlier in the month. It should also be noted, Parker’s men claimed a 2-1 win when they last traveled to the Riverside in June last year.
Bet: Middlesbrough v Burnley Over 1.5 goals at 2/5 for Sunday’s Championship clash @ Pribate
