Portsmouth are still seeking their first win since returning to the EFL Championship and face a tough task getting three points against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium.
Pompey impressed on day as they drew 3-3 away to title favourites Leeds United, with victory snatched from their grasp in the dying seconds thanks to a last-gasp leveller.
But they followed it up by losing 1-0 at home to Millwall in the Carabao Cup then could only managed a 0-0 draw at home to Luton, despite the Hatters playing most of that game with 10 men after a red card for their keeper.
Now they face a Middlesbrough side with a good home record, although Michael Carrick's men also come into this game on something of a downer after losing 1-0 away to Derby last weekend.
Boro dominated that match but couldn't find a killer touch and were undone as a horrendous defensive mistake gifted the Rams their winner. Carrick will have been fuming and he'll demand a response when they take on Portsmouth.
How the bookies view it: Pompey's wait to go on
Betfred can't see Porstmouth getting that first win in this game as they make John Mousinho's men 5/1 rank outsiders. Middlesbrough are just 4/9 for a win and the draw pays 3/1.
Recent head to head: Long time no see
These sides haven't faced off since back in season 2011/12 when they were both in the Championship. Middlesbrough had the edge that season, winning 3-1 on the road after a 2-2 draw at the Riverside. The last three meetings in Teeside have all ended level.
Players to watch: Emmanuel's still hot stuff
Emmanuel Latte Lath let me down when I backed him to score against Derby County but the Middlesbrough striker still looks their best bet for a goal here. He scored at the Riverside against Swansea on day one and is 11/8 for another goal here.
Callum Lang scored a double for Porstmouth at Elland Road and will be a threat to Boro's defence. He's 4/1 for anytime scorer which looks a little overpriced.
Probable teams
Marcus Forss, Thomas Smith and Alex Bangura remain on the sidelines for Middlesbrough while new signing Tommy Conway could make his first start up front. Pompey are without Thomas Mcintyre, Jacob Farrell, Josh Murphy and Regan Poole. Elias Sorensen and Christian Saydee are fighting for a starting slot in attack.
Middlesbrough: Dieng, van den Berg, Clarke, Ayling, Engel, Hackney, Burgzorg, Jones, Morris, Conway, Latte Lath.
Portsmouth: Norris, Williams, Ogilvie, Towler, Shaughnessy, Pack, Silvera, Dozzell, Lane, Lang, Sorensen.
Anything else catch the eye?
The goals have dried up for Portsmouth with two blanks in a row after that 3-3 thriller at Leeds. Two of Middlesbrough's three games this season have also ended in 1-0 scorelines so it doesn't bode well for a lot of goals.
Betting against BTTS pays 10/11 with Betfred while the odds are better for under 2.5 strikes at 11/10.
Although they lost last weekend, Middlesbrough were the better team against Derby so I fancy them to win this one pretty comfortably. Backing them to be winning at half-time and full-time pays 5/4.
This England Championship match between Middlesbrough and Portsmouth will be played on Aug 24, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Middlesbrough vs Portsmouth prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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