Middlesbrough vs. Plymouth Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 18 April 2025

This Championship clash at Riverside Stadium sees 8th-place Middlesbrough taking on bottom-of-the-table Plymouth. With both teams desperate for points, this match could have significant implications despite their positions. Middlesbrough have 60 points and are just outside the playoff spots, while Plymouth, on 40 points, are fighting to avoid relegation.

Middlesbrough are the clear favorites, with bookmaker odds of 1.36 for a home win reflecting their stronger form. Plymouth should not be discounted, especially given their recent managerial history and spirited performances. However, their defensive frailties have been evident, particularly in the 3-0 loss to Swansea.

With Middlesbrough averaging 1.5 yellow cards per game and scoring mostly in the final 15 minutes, expect a potentially high-scoring affair. Our recommended bet is over 2.5 goals, aligning well with the match dynamics and recent team performances.

Middlesbrough vs Plymouth Prediction & Betting tip

For this fixture, our recommended betting tip is “Over 2.5 goals” due to several compelling factors.

• Middlesbrough have scored in 71% of their home matches this season, indicating a strong offensive presence on their turf.
• Plymouth’s recent matches have been high-scoring affairs, suggesting a potential defensive vulnerability that Middlesbrough could exploit.
• The stakes are high for both teams, with Middlesbrough pushing for a playoff spot and Plymouth fighting relegation, expect a spirited, goal-filled encounter.

This tip leverages both teams’ current forms and scoring tendencies, offering a balanced and informed prediction.

Middlesbrough vs Plymouth Odds

The bookmakers clearly favor Middlesbrough to take this match with odds of 1.36. Given their home record and stronger league position, it’s easy to see why. A draw stands at 5.04, reflecting the less likely but still possible outcome given Plymouth’s unpredictable performance this season.

Finally, an away win for Plymouth is considered the longest shot at 7.38, considering their ongoing struggles and current position at the bottom of the league table.

Middlesbrough Team Analysis

Middlesbrough Recent Performance

Recent Form: LLWWD
Middlesbrough’s recent form shows a mixed bag, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five matches. Despite some inconsistency, they’ve managed to keep two clean sheets. On average, they have scored 0.8 goals per game in their last five encounters. They’re challenged up front but have shown resilience in defense. Considering they’ve secured victories against Blackburn and Oxford recently, Middlesbrough seems to be finding their footing just in time. Their position at 8th in the table shows promise, especially since they’re strong at home, scoring in 71% of matches at Riverside Stadium. The team’s disciplined defensive organization might be their key strength in their upcoming game.

Middlesbrough Key Players

Middlesbrough’s key players to watch out for include their top scorer, Tommy Conway, who has netted 12 goals this season. Morgan Whittaker also plays a critical role in their attacking strategy, standing in as the centre-forward.
In the midfield, Aidan Morris and Hayden Hackney are expected to control the pace and rhythm, providing vital link-ups to the attack.
Defensively, Jonathan Howson and Rav van den Berg will be pivotal in keeping Plymouth at bay. Mark Travers will stand firm between the sticks, aiming for another clean sheet.
An interesting individual battle will be between Middlesbrough’s Tommy Conway and Plymouth’s defensive lineup led by Julio Pleguezuelo.

Expected lineup for Middlesbrough:

• Goalkeeper: Mark Travers
• Defenders: Anfernee Dijksteel, Jonathan Howson, Rav van den Berg, Samuel Iling
• Midfielders: Aidan Morris, Hayden Hackney, Delano Burgzorg, Finn Azaz
• Attackers: Tommy Conway, Morgan Whittaker

Middlesbrough Suspensions & Injuries

Middlesbrough is facing a challenging injury list which could affect their depth and strategy. Here’s a summary of their current injuries:

These injuries might limit Michael Carrick’s options, particularly in defensive positions. The absence of key players like Alex Bangura and Luke Ayling could demand a shuffle in the backline, while the injuries to Solomon Brynn and George Edmundson might further thin out the defensive ranks. However, given their recent form, Middlesbrough will be hoping the remaining fit squad members can step up.

Middlesbrough Tactics and Formation

Middlesbrough Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Morgan Whittaker
• Midfield Duo: Aidan Morris, Hayden Hackney
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games.
• Notable Strategy: Most goals scored in the 76-90 minute interval.

Michael Carrick prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on a balanced approach with two holding midfielders providing stability. Tommy Conway, operating from the left wing, and the versatile Morgan Whittaker in a central forward role, provide attacking flair. The defensive unit, led by Jonathan Howson and bolstered by Rav van den Berg, has been resilient, conceding an average of 1.2 goals per game. Expect late-game intensity, with Middlesbrough most potent in the closing 15 minutes.

Plymouth Team Analysis

Recent Performance

Let’s look at Plymouth’s form in their last five matches—it’s a bit of a mixed bag, but there’s potential there.

Recent Form: LWWLD
In their last five outings, Plymouth has accumulated two wins, two losses, and one draw. They’ve managed to score an average of 1.2 goals per game, showcasing some offensive capability but have just one clean sheet, indicating a defensive vulnerability. Their latest victory, a solid 2-1 win over Sheffield United, demonstrates that they can compete, although inconsistency remains an issue.

Plymouth Key Players

Plymouth will be relying heavily on their top scorer, Ryan Hardie, who has netted 9 goals this season. His striking capabilities will be essential, particularly against Middlesbrough’s defence, which has conceded an average of 1.2 goals per game. Another crucial player will be Callum Wright, expected to be positioned on the left wing. His ability to create chances and possibly find the back of the net adds another layer to Plymouth’s attacking force.

Expected lineup for Plymouth:

• Goalkeeper: Conor Hazard
• Defenders: Kornél Szűcs, Jordan Houghton, Julio Pleguezuelo
• Midfielders: Bali Mumba, Victor Palsson, Adam Randell, Nathanael Ogbeta
• Attackers: Ryan Hardie, Mustapha Bundu, Callum Wright

Key battles will include Hardie against Middlesbrough’s centre-backs, Jonathan Howson and Rav van den Berg.

Plymouth Suspensions & Injuries

Plymouth travel to the Riverside Stadium with a few key players sidelined by injuries, which could impact their strategy and performance.
Here are the details:

Brendan Galloway’s absence for the rest of the season is a considerable blow to Plymouth’s defensive stability. Maksym Taloverov, another key defensive figure, is expected to return at the end of the month, meaning Plymouth will need to manage without his services as well.

The lack of these defensive options could make it challenging for Plymouth to contain Middlesbrough’s attacking threats. Ryan Hardie and the rest of the squad will need to step up to compensate for these significant absences.

Plymouth Tactics and Formation

Plymouth’s Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forwards: Ryan Hardie, Mustapha Bundu, Callum Wright
  Plymouth typically lines up in a 3-4-3 formation, which allows for a solid defensive base while offering flexibility in attack.
• Key Forward: Ryan Hardie is essential to their game plan, as he not only leads the scoring charts but also creates space and opportunities for his teammates.
• Midfield Composition: The midfield is anchored by Victor Palsson and Adam Randell, who are tasked with breaking up the opposition’s play and transitioning the team into attack.
• Wing Play: Bali Mumba and Nathanael Ogbeta on the flanks provide width and pace, often looking to deliver crosses into the penalty area.
• Defensive Strength: They’ve managed two clean sheets in their last five matches, highlighting some defensive resilience despite injuries.
  Their strategy often involves high pressing to disrupt opponents and quick transitions to exploit spaces behind the defense.

Middlesbrough vs Plymouth Head-to-Head Statistics

Middlesbrough and Plymouth have faced off five times in recent years, with an even mix of draws and wins for both sides.

Their most recent encounter was a high-scoring 3-3 draw in December 2024.

Middlesbrough’s only victory in these fixtures came in a friendly match back in August 2020.

Odds accurate as of 16.04.2025 15:02, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.