Middlesbrough v Chelsea Betting Tips

Sunday’s sole Premier League clash sees two sides in pretty decent form, yet at opposite ends of the table, come together.

Newly-promoted Middlesbrough had been struggling in the opening couple of months of the season with three consecutive losses in September. However, in recent weeks they have improved their survival chances having remained unbeaten in their last three fixtures which included well-deserved away draws at title challengers Arsenal and Manchester City. All in all this puts them 15th in the table and a point above the relegation zone. If it were not for this good run, who knows where Middlesbrough could have found themselves.

After picking up such good results against these top sides, going up against another big club in Chelsea will not faze Boro.

Although they have been on a relatively good run recently, manager Aitor Karanka will be concerned by his side’s home form. Despite the fact they won their last match at the Riverside against Bournemouth, Boro had lost three on the bounce before then and had not won at home all season.

Goals have certainly been the biggest concern for Boro. Their strike force lacks confidence and they are heavily relying on other areas of the field for their goals. Karanka’s team have only scored more than once on two occasions this season whilst they are the joint second lowest scorers in the league with just 10 goals to their name in 11 games.

Chelsea put in one of the best performances in Premier League history as they thrashed Everton 5-0 in the last match before the international break. Their new 3-5-2 formation is clearly working a treat for the former Champions and if they carry on as they are there is no reason why they can not regain their crown this season.

That victory over Everton was the climax of the Blues’ excellent run of form which saw them win five Premier League games on the bounce. What is perhaps the most impressive thing about those victories is not just their 16 goals but the fact they have conceded zero. That afore-mentioned five man defence gives Chelsea the solid base that their classic Italian manager Antonio Conte desires.

Their incredible defensive record means has allowed Chelsea to sit in second place, just one point off first place Liverpool. They also boast the second best goals against column in the league with just nine goals conceded in 11 games.

This match against Boro will be a good indicator of whether the international break came at a good or bad time for Chelsea. Has this allowed them to recharge the batteries and go again or has it stopped the momentum?

Going up against relegation candidates Middlesbrough should allow Chelsea to ease back into their routine. With this in mind, the first tip to go for here is ‘Chelsea to Win to Nil’ at 7/4. This is an enhanced offer from William Hill and is well worth taking advantage of. Chelsea have an excellent defensive record whilst Middlesbrough have a poor goal return. People will say that Boro did manage to score against Manchester City, however, Chelsea’s defence is far better than City’s and I think Boro will draw a blank here.

With the away side in such great form they should be able to beat Boro quite comfortably, despite the latter’s decent recent unbeaten run.

Given Antonio Conte’s side’s recent record, many would expect a large victory. However, I think we could see a more conservative scoreline. While Chelsea are organised at the back, Middlesbrough themselves are pretty good in defence with just one goal conceded in their last three matches. On this basis, ‘Chelsea to Win & Under 3.5 Goals’, at 23/20, makes plenty of appeal.

The final bit of advice for this match is ‘Chelsea to Win 1-0, 2-0 or 2-1 & Eden Hazard to Score Anytime’ at an incredible 6/1. As mentioned earlier, it’s hard to see a complete thrashing taking place,  so I feel the scorelines offered here are very reasonable.

Eden Hazard has become a vital cog this season after letting everybody down during the last campaign. The Belgian has been given a free role by manager Antonio Conte and is relishing it having scored five goals in his last four games. Also, he has scored in each of those last four games so it is not like his goals have come in patches. He must feel on top of the world right now and I would certainly back him to score against Boro on Sunday.

See all of Sunday’s tips here.