{"id":1425794,"date":"2026-01-22T11:15:16","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T11:15:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=news&p=1425794"},"modified":"2026-01-22T11:15:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-22T11:15:18","slug":"match-preview-middlesbrough-vs-preston-24-01-26-championship","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/match-preview-middlesbrough-vs-preston-24-01-26-championship\/","title":{"rendered":"Middlesbrough vs Preston North End: predictions, stats, tips & odds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Sparks are set to fly at Riverside Stadium as high-flying Middlesbrough<\/a> host play-off hopefuls Preston North End<\/a> in a crucial Championship<\/a> encounter. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With Middlesbrough sitting second and nine points clear of their visitors, the stakes are obvious\u2014but recent head-to-heads have been tight, and both sides boast defensive strengths that could shape this contest. Kick-off is at 12:30pm on Saturday, with both teams seeking to cement their promotion credentials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Best Bets & Predictions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Based on Middlesbrough\u2019s dominant possession and creative output, our top betting recommendations focus on their home advantage, but we also see value in player markets given recent form. We’re particularly confident in Middlesbrough to win due to their home consistency and midfield control, while the anytime assist market for Hayden Hackney stands out based on his creativity stats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Our Prediction<\/th>\nOdds & Bookmaker<\/th>\nConfidence<\/th>\nWhy We’re Backing It<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Middlesbrough to Win<\/strong><\/td>\n4\/7 @ Bet365<\/a>
(63.6%)<\/td>\n		\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\nWe are backing Middlesbrough to win because they boast both a stronger attack (42 goals to Preston’s 36) and greater control in midfield (57.5% possession, 84.3% pass accuracy), with the league’s top creative pairing in Whittaker and Hackney. Their recent home form and statistical edge give this bet solid value.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hayden Hackney Anytime Assist<\/strong><\/td>\n11\/4 @ Bet365<\/a>
(26.7%)<\/td>\n		\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\nWe are backing Hackney to provide an assist given his 5 assists in 28 games, an 85.9% pass accuracy, and a remarkable 53 big chance assists this season. With Middlesbrough\u2019s attacking style, this price looks appealing for a creative midfielder in form.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Odds correct at the time of writing.<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n

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    \n\n\n\n

    Season Form & Standings<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Middlesbrough are second in the table, nine points clear of Preston North End, who currently occupy sixth. Both sides have played 28 matches, but Middlesbrough\u2019s superior goal difference (+13 vs +7) and higher win rate (54% vs 39%) underline their consistency. Preston remain tough to beat but have drawn ten games, reflecting a solid but sometimes cautious approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Team<\/th>\nPos<\/th>\nP<\/th>\nW<\/th>\nD<\/th>\nL<\/th>\nGF<\/th>\nGA<\/th>\nGD<\/th>\nPts<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Middlesbrough<\/td>\n2<\/td>\n28<\/td>\n15<\/td>\n7<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n42<\/td>\n29<\/td>\n+13<\/td>\n52<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Preston North End<\/td>\n6<\/td>\n28<\/td>\n11<\/td>\n10<\/td>\n7<\/td>\n36<\/td>\n29<\/td>\n+7<\/td>\n43<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

    Potential Match-Winners<\/h2>\n\n\n\n