Preview: Middlesbrough vs. West Bromwich Albion – Predictions, Team Updates, and Probable Lineups

Middlesbrough will host West Bromwich Albion at the Riverside Stadium on Tuesday in a game that could prove pivotal in the race for promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.

Current Standings

Both teams are tied on 41 points, with West Brom occupying sixth place—the final promotion playoff spot—due to goal difference, while Middlesbrough sit just below in seventh. The hosts are coming off a 2-1 defeat to Portsmouth on Saturday, while the visitors drew 1-1 with Stoke City on the same day.

Middlesbrough’s Recent Form

Middlesbrough initially led 1-0 against Portsmouth but failed to capitalize on several key opportunities, converting just one of four big chances and eventually succumbing to defeat. Despite having conceded 34 goals this season—more than expected based on their xG against of 28—manager Michael Carrick will be concerned about their defensive record, which is the worst among the top seven teams.

Boro claimed a narrow 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture against West Brom in October, marking their second consecutive win over the visitors. However, recent form has been shaky, with two consecutive losses and just one win in their last seven matches. At home, they have gone four games without a win, drawing three and losing one while scoring four and conceding five in that period.

West Brom’s Recent Form

West Brom also faced inefficiency in front of goal during their draw with Stoke, producing 16 attempts from inside the box but managing only two big chances. The Baggies are unbeaten in their last four league games, with one win and three draws, but their away record remains a concern. They have failed to win in their previous six Championship away games, drawing four and losing two. Over their last 11 away matches, they have secured just one victory.

Tuesday’s game marks Tony Mowbray’s first match in charge since taking over as head coach. Mowbray, who returns to the club after departing in 2009, succeeds caretaker manager Chris Brunt.

Team News

Middlesbrough:
The home side will be without goalkeeper Solomon Brynn and defenders Alex Bangura, Darragh Lenihan, and Tommy Smith. Midfielder Jonathan Howson and forward Tommy Conway are also sidelined. Michael Carrick may field Tom Glover in goal, with a defensive line comprising Rav van den Berg, Dael Fry, George Edmundson, and Neto Borges. Daniel Barlaser and Hayden Hackney are likely to anchor the midfield, with Ben Doak, Finn Azaz, Delano Burgzorg, and Emmanuel Latte Lath forming the attacking quartet.

West Bromwich Albion:
The visitors are missing strikers Daryl Dike and Josh Maja, as well as center-back Semi Ajayi, who is out with a leg injury. Grady Diangana and Karlan Grant are expected to lead the line, with Mason Holgate and Torbjorn Heggem anchoring the defense in front of goalkeeper Alex Palmer.

Predicted Lineups

Middlesbrough:
Glover; Van den Berg, Fry, Edmundson, Borges; Barlaser, Hackney; Doak, Azaz, Burgzorg; Lath

West Bromwich Albion:
Palmer; Furlong, Holgate, Heggem, Styles; Fellows, Molumby, Mowatt, Johnston; Diangana, Grant

This match promises to be a closely contested affair with significant implications for the promotion race. Both teams will be eager to secure a vital three points in their quest for a playoff spot.