Middlesbrough v Watford Betting Tips

13:30, Oct 16 2016
13:30, Oct 16 2016
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These two sides will have the primary aim of Premier League survival this season and have made indistinct starts to their respective campaigns. Not too bad, but, at the same time, not too good either.

Middlesbrough are at least outside the relegation zone, but that is certainly more down to other teams being poor rather than them performing particularly well. They have won just the one game this season and have managed to scrape three draws. While these draws may not seem like bad results on the face of it, in West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and West Ham United (with the latter two being in the bottom three), they’ve come in matches that they really be looking to win those games.

Defensively Aitor Karanka’s men are actually pretty tight and don’t look overly leaky with their total of 10 conceded bettering most of the mid-table teams. However, they seem to lack any real attacking guile and have little to no Premier League experience in the final third of the pitch. Viktor Fischer looks like a decent signing from Ajax, but is too young to be relied upon to be the main creator. Alvaro Negredo was pointed out to be one of the best signings by a Premier League club in the summer, however, with just the one goal scored (on the opening day), he is struggling to display the same level of form shown in his Manchester City days.

Much has been talked about the potential of Jordan Rhodes over the years, but, like Fischer, he is still inexperienced at this level and will need time to adjust. Hopefully it will not be too late for the Teesiders when he finally does get used to the rigours of the top flight.

Watford’s form mirrors their manager Walter Mazzari at the moment – eccentric and inconsistent. They recently won two on the spin against West Ham and Manchester United, but then went on to pick up just the one point against Burnley and AFC Bournemouth in the two games before the international break.

The Hornets have always played 4-4-2 during their last 15 months in the top flight and it has achieved results with the Hertfordshire side comfortably surviving last season, whilst they currently sit 11th in the table. However, there is no doubt that this formation, along with flying wing-backs, leaves them quite exposed at the back – it is no wonder they have conceded 13 goals already this campaign with only three sides having a worse defensive record.

Captain Troy Deeney is undoubtedly the focal point of the side and it is frightening to think where Watford would be without the former Walsall man. Deeney took a while to get going in the Premier League, but has been in great form since he adjusted and, with three goals already notched this season, there have been mentions of an England call-up. He will certainly fancy his chances of scoring passed a somewhat out-of-sorts Boro side and you can back him to do so at a very appealing 13/5.

Although they are not in any immediate danger, you could argue that this is a must-win match for the home side. At the very least it would allow them to build some momentum – a vital addition to any sides’ chances of survival. However, although the goals against column doesn’t look too bad, it is worth noting that Karanka’s side are yet to keep a clean sheet at the Riverside this season.

Watford are in a similar position and are yet to keep a clean sheet at all this campaign. On this basis, ‘Both Teams to Score’ looks a strong selection.

On the whole, though, I think Watford are the more likely of the two to pick up three points on Sunday. They have the experience and nous to do and it’s to hard them leaving the north-east empty handed against this rather under pressure Middlesbrough team. ‘Watford Draw No Bet’, at 8/5, is another good bet here.

To see Sunday’s other Premier League tip click here.

Single: Lost
Premier League
13:30/16 oct
Middlesbrough v Watford
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Single: Lost
Premier League
13:30/16 oct
Middlesbrough v Watford
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Single: Won
Premier League
13:30/16 oct
Middlesbrough v Watford
Will this bet win?
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