Middlesbrough v Leeds United: Preview, supercomputer prediction, kick-off time
Leeds United are in the middle of a real blip that could cost them promotion, and they have a tough trip to face Middlesbrough ahead.
Leeds have won just one of their last six Championship matches, and have now dropped out of the automatic promotion spots despite previously holding a huge lead at the top of the table.
Daniel Farke‘s side will now travel to Riverside Stadium, where they will take on an in-form Middlesbrough side that has lost just one of their last seven games.
Preview
Leeds are heading into this game on the back of a disappointing draw with Luton Town, which saw them drop out of the top two as Burnley and Sheffield United continued to win.
Fans are hugely concerned with the team’s run of form, but there is little time to dwell as they head into the final stretch of the season.
| Opposition | Result |
| Millwall | 2-0 win |
| QPR | 2-2 draw |
| Swansea | 2-2 draw |
| Luton | 1-1 draw |
The Whites know that further dropped points will make promotion difficult, but if they can keep pace with the top two, they will still be in a strong position as Sheffield United and Burnley still have to play against each other.
Middlesbrough are now fifth in the Championship, and are gunning for a play-off spot, making this one of their most important matches this season.
Form guide (Championship)
Middlesbrough: LWDWW
Leeds: LWDDD
Head-to-head (all competitions)
Leeds 3-1 Middlesbrough (December 2024)
Leeds 0-3 Middlesbrough (August 2024)
Middlesbrough 3-4 Leeds (April 2024)
Leeds 3-2 Middlesbrough (December 2023)
Middlesbrough 0-1 Leeds (February 2020)
Team News
Karl Darlow looks set to continue in goal after Illan Meslier was dropped from his starting role after a string of errors.
Pascal Struijk returned to face Luton Town after his injury, and Farke otherwise has a full squad to select from.
It is a different story for Middlesbrough, who are missing a lot of players. As many as nine senior players will miss the clash, including former Leeds defender Luke Ayling, who is out with an ankle injury.
Given the exhausting few weeks Leeds have endured, Farke may shuffle his pack to bring fresh energy into his side, and several players could drop to the bench.
Predicted line-ups
Leeds: Darlow, Bogle, Rodon, Struijk, Byram, Tanaka, Ampadu, Solomon, Aaronson, James, Joseph.
Middlesbrough: Travers, Dijksteel, Howson, Borges, Iling-Junior, Hackney, Morris, Azaz, Iheanacho, Burgzorg, Conway.
Where to watch and kick-off time
The match will be televised on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports + in the UK, with the game at the Riverside set to kick off at 8pm.
Supercomputer prediction
Opta’s supercomputer has backed Leeds to return to winning ways against Middlesbrough, with the visitors given a 46 per cent chance of success.
Middlesbrough’s chances are ranked at 29.3 per cent, while a draw is at 24.6 per cent, indicating that Farke’s side are the favourites for the clash.