The Riverside Plays Host To Middlesbrough Vs Southampton In The EFL Championship Play-Off Semi-Final First-Leg On Saturday Afternoon
Ahead of what promises to be a thrilling EFL Championship play-off semi-final first-leg clash, BetVictor News brings you the Middlesbrough vs Southampton preview, prediction, overall H2H record, team news, latest odds, the best betting angles and more.
- Middlesbrough vs Southampton prediction: Honours even in TS3
- Bet on the EFL Championship play-offs with BetVictor
Middlesbrough Vs Southampton Preview
Although our Hull vs Millwall preview is predicting a clear winner in their EFL Championship semi-final first-leg, the Middlesbrough vs Southampton clash promises to be a lot closer to call. Unlike the Tigers and Lions, Boro and Soton were expected to challenge hard for automatic promotion.
Kim Hellberg’s side were actually in the running for the title but a disastrous seven-match winless streak across March and April paid end to those aspirations. The Reds did entertain a reasonably strong finish to the campaign but fifth spot is all they had to show for their late efforts.
As for Southampton, their FA Cup run to the semi-final perhaps derailed their top-two chances. Nonetheless, after a sticky start to the season, the Saints have only lost two league games since the turn of the year and will be confident of going all the way back to the big time at the first time of asking.
However, it’s Boro who hold the upper-hand against this weekend’s hosts. The two EFL Championship heavyweights played out a 1-1 draw at St Mary’s in September before Hellberg’s men thrashed Eckert’s charges 4-0 on home turf in the reverse fixture. With that in mind, the Middlesbrough vs Southampton odds favour a home victory on Saturday.
Middlesbrough Vs Southampton H2H Record
As far as the overall Middlesbrough vs Southampton H2H record goes, it’s the latter who can boast more victories. Which is something worth bearing in mind when it comes to Championship betting on BetVictor’s Middlesbrough vs Southampton betting markets.
The Saints have 25 wins to their name whereas Boro have managed 19. There have been 17 draws played out between the sides.
Middlesbrough vs Southampton H2H record in all comps:
- Middlesbrough wins – 19
- Draws – 17
- Southampton wins – 25
Middlesbrough Vs Southampton Team News
After his stunning league campaign, Hayden Hackney is likely to be included in Middlesbrough’s matchday squad which will provide a timely boost for the Reds after his recent injury struggles. However, Alfie Jones and Darragh Lenihan will remain on the sidelines.
As for Southampton, the likes of James Bree, Ryan Manning, Finn Azaz and Cyle Larin are all pushing for returns having been rested against Preston on MD46. Jack Stephens and Kuryu Matsuki are also available for selection.
Middlesbrough’s last six in the Championship:
DWWDLD
Southampton’s last six in the Championship:
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Middlesbrough Vs Southampton Predicted Lineups
Middlesbrough predicted lineup:
Brynn; Ayling, Fry, Malanda; Brittain, Morris, Browne, Targett; Whittaker, Conway; Strelec
Southampton predicted lineup:
Peretz; Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Manning; Charles, Jander; Fellows, Azaz, Scienza; Larin
Middlesbrough Vs Southampton TV Channel, Live Streaming And Radio
Middlesbrough vs Southampton is available to watch live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Live streaming is available via the Sky Go app, Sky Sports app, Virgin TV Go or via a NOW sports membership. Coverage will begin at 12pm ahead of a 12:30pm kick-off. Supporters can also tune in on talkSPORT.
*A valid TV license and Sky Sports subscription is required to watch live in the UK
Middlesbrough Vs Southampton Betting Angles
Key Match Stats
- Middlesbrough spent 217 days in the top two this season, more than any other side besides champions Coventry
- Southampton have lost just twice since the turn of the year (vs Hull and vs Middlesbrough)
- Both sides finished on 80 points during the league campaign
Top Betting Angles for Middlesbrough vs Southampton
Over 2.5 goals: Only Coventry scored more than Southampton this term whereas the Sky Blues and Ipswich were the only sides to score more than Middlesbrough in the league phase
BTTS (Yes): Recent trends and results point towards both teams scoring on Saturday – despite it not coming in during the league fixture on Teeside
Anytime goalscorer: Morgan Whittaker (85/40), Cyle Larin (27/10), David Strelec (85/40) and Finn Azaz (31/10) are all worth considering
Middlesbrough Vs Southampton Prediction
Both sides will be somewhat disappointed having to contest the play-offs but will at least head into the match in decent form. Middlesbrough are unbeaten in their last four Championship games whereas Southampton haven’t tasted defeat in their last 19 EFL Championship games.
We are going to sit on the fence and back an entertaining score draw.
Prediction: Middlesbrough 2-2 Southampton
If you intend to bet on Middlesbrough vs Southampton then please take the time to read through BetVictor’s safe and responsible gambling page which will provide good advice on how to stay in control when betting on football.
Any betting decisions should be made responsibly and there are no guarantees when it comes to match outcomes. All odds correct as of 11am May 8, 2026.
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