Championship leaders, Leicester City, travel to the Riverside where they will face Middlesbrough. The Boro are the underdogs going into the tie and haven't beat the foxes since 2002.
Middlesbrough
After a shaky start, Middlesbrough went on a seven game win streak in all competitions, which propelled them into 12th place after 15 matches. Michael Carrick's team average around 1.5 goals conceded and scored per game, which is a rather average return, but they seem to perform much better in front of goal when they are travelling. On the road, the Boro have netted in all but one of their eight matches, whilst scoring the third highest number of goals on the road (16). However at the riverside, they average less than a goal per game.
Last time out, Carrick's side visited Plymouth Argyle, where they left with a point following a 3-3 draw. Middlesbrough dominated the tie, missed a penalty and plenty more chances, during a game that saw Plymouth take theirs. 20-year-old Josh Coburn scored a brace and continues to repay the boss.
Leicester
Plenty of Championship enthusiasts believe that the Foxes have one foot in the Premier League already after 15 matches. They have displayed dominance at both ends of the field all season, which has earned them 13 wins, 29 goals and only nine conceded. Leicester deservedly sit at the top of the table, 11 points ahead of third place. Enzo Maresca's team thrive on their travels and after seven away matches, they boast a 100% win record, scoring the most and conceding the least in the away tables. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is at the heart of every Leicester attack and he has accumulated 11 goal contributions already.
However, they suffered defeat for only the second time last week, when they were beaten 1-0 by Leeds United. The game was rather close, but Leicester were unable to find a creative spark despite having the majority of the ball throughout.
Verdict?
Middlesbrough have slightly struggled in recent weeks and both teams go into this game off the back of disappointing results. The Foxes have conceded in their last three away matches and that may continue this weekend, but they should have enough quality to win the tie.
The final prediction is Middlesbrough 1-3 Leicester, with an away win priced at 13/10.
