For our Middlesbrough vs. Blackpool prediction, we're going for a 2-0 win for the home side.
Middlesbrough are looking to continue their assault on the Championship as they welcome a struggling Blackpool side to the Riverside Stadium this weekend.
Middlesbrough currently sit 3rd in the Championship with thirteen wins, six draws and ten losses from twenty-nine games this season.
After a dismal start to the season under Chris Wilder, Boro are flying under the guidance of rookie manager Michael Carrick as they look more and more like the play-off favourites as the weeks pass by.
They enter this game amidst an excellent run of form in the league having won four and lost one of their last five Championship matches, the most recent of which was a 2-0 win over fellow play-off chasers Watford.
Boro are loaded with firepower up top with Championship top scorer Chuba Akpom now backed by on-loan Aston Villa forward Cameron Archer who was coveted by a host of Championship clubs and had a promising debut against Watford.
Boro also added the services of England youth international Aaron Ramsey from Aston Villa on a six month loan deal, so his presence will further strengthen their chances.
Boro are looking excellent and head into this game in great shape. A loss here would be inexcusable considering Blackpool's form but that feels an unlikely occurrence.
Blackpool currently sit 23rd in the Championship with six wins, eight draws and thirteen losses from twenty-seven games this season.
After a respectable start to the season, The Tangerines have gotten progressively worse as the weeks have ticked by and they now find themselves in serious danger amidst an abysmal run of form.
Blackpool enter this game having failed to win any of their last ten league matches and having drawn three and lost two of their last five.
Most recently, Blackpool were knocked out of the FA Cup by Premier League side Southampton in a 2-1 defeat in what was a valiant effort.
The Seasiders' form away from home is equally concerning having lost three and drawn two of their last five matches on the road.
Blackpool were resoundingly beaten 0-3 by Middlesbrough when the two sides met in the league back in November and it's not unreasonable to expect the same scoreline here.
The Tangerines are only three points from safety with two games in hand over Cardiff in 21st so all is not lost, but they're going to have to start picking up wins soon as this run must be arrested. Unfortunately, that's unlikely to start this weekend.
Don’t forget to check out the rest of our previews, tips and offers for this weekend’s action.