{"id":1448292,"date":"2026-05-11T10:05:20","date_gmt":"2026-05-11T09:05:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=news&p=1448292"},"modified":"2026-05-11T10:05:21","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T09:05:21","slug":"match-preview-southampton-vs-middlesbrough-12-05-26-championship","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/match-preview-southampton-vs-middlesbrough-12-05-26-championship\/","title":{"rendered":"Southampton vs Middlesbrough: predictions, stats, tips & odds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Southampton <\/a>and Middlesbrough <\/a>lock horns in a pivotal clash at St Mary\u2019s, with the second leg of the Championship<\/a> playoff hanging finely in the balance. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kick-off is set for Tuesday at 20:00, and with neither team able to break the deadlock in the first leg, this match is loaded with tension and the promise of drama. Both clubs have shown attacking prowess this season, but it\u2019s their battle for a play off final place that truly sets the stage for a high-stakes encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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

Based on both teams\u2019 attacking stats and recent trends, here are our top betting recommendations for this match. We’re particularly confident in “Both Teams to Score \u2013 Yes” due to both sides’ impressive goalscoring records and the regularity with which this fixture produces goals.<\/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
Both Teams to Score \u2013 Yes<\/strong><\/td>\n8\/13 @ Bet365<\/a>
(61.9%)<\/td>\n		\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\nWe are backing both teams to score because Southampton and Middlesbrough have netted a combined 154 league goals this season. Five of their last seven meetings have seen both teams find the net or ended level, and both attacks have outperformed their expected goals totals, suggesting further attacking intent.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Southampton to Win<\/strong><\/td>\n13\/10 @ Bet365<\/a>
(43.5%)<\/td>\n		\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/td>\nSouthampton edge this at home: they are the top scorers in the league and have won two of the last six head-to-heads. Their home advantage and superior xG (24.7 vs 15.4) could make the difference, especially with Leonardo Weschenfelder Scienza pulling the strings in midfield.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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

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

    Both teams finished the Championship season with identical records in terms of wins, draws, losses and points, but Southampton have a slight edge in goal difference (+26 to +25) and have been the more prolific scorers. Middlesbrough, however, have the tighter defence, conceding nine fewer goals across the campaign.<\/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
    Southampton<\/td>\n4<\/td>\n46<\/td>\n22<\/td>\n14<\/td>\n10<\/td>\n82<\/td>\n56<\/td>\n+26<\/td>\n80<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Middlesbrough<\/td>\n5<\/td>\n46<\/td>\n22<\/td>\n14<\/td>\n10<\/td>\n72<\/td>\n47<\/td>\n+25<\/td>\n80<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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