Goals look like they’re going to be hard to come by on Monday evening…
There’s no let-up in the Championship‘s Easter Monday action, and after their clash with fellow high flyers Millwall on Good Friday, Middlesbrough remain hopeful of keeping themselves in control of the race for second spot, even if the title itself seems fanciful with so little time remaining.
PP football tipster Andrew Cunneen has dived into the stats and found some high-value bets for Swansea v Middlesbrough, which combine into a Bet Builder that’s tastier than any chocolate you’ve been having your way with over the last few days. Andrew’s got a player pick in here, too, and it’s covered by Paddy’s Super Sub offer, meaning if he’s substituted, the pick will carry over to his replacement.
Swansea v Middlesbrough Bet Builder tips
Swansea and draw
Under 2.5 goals
Middlesbrough over 6.5 corners
Luke Ayling to commit 2+ fouls
A Bet Builder with these bets pays at approximately 18/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
WHEN: Monday, April 6th, 5.30pm
WHERE: Swansea.com Stadium, Swansea
TV: Sky Sports Main Event
Swansea and draw
The stage is set for this to be a home team taking advantage of a completely desperate visitor who knows they have to win, or their season, which has been derailing for some time now, is finally in freefall. Boro would have been heavy favourites to finish in the top two in early February – but just two wins in their last nine games, including one against Millwall, who have just leapfrogged them, have them on the outside looking in.
Swansea have hardly been in flying form themselves lately, and their long-shot hopes of a top-six finish are now also gone. But the key indicator for Swansea is home versus away. Since December, the Swans have played 11 home games. They’ve won eight of those, and only lost once – to high-flying Ipswich. This is quite the price you’re getting when you weigh it all up.
Under 2.5 Goals
Boro have gone four games in a row without scoring twice or more. That would have been unthinkable earlier in the season, when they had goals coming from all over the park, making it far less of a big deal for one or two players to fall out of form.
David Strelec, Riley McGree, Hayden Hackney, Tommy Conway, and Morgan Whittaker, Alan Browne, and Matt Targett all have 4+ goals in the Championship alone this year. But Hackney and Whittaker will miss this fixture, and Matt Targett went off injured, too. Their outlets are becoming thinner as the weeks go by.
Middlesbrough Over 6.5 corners
When desperation hits, particularly given how I believe this game will go, there’ll be some degree of an onslaught in the second half. Boro have had over 250 corners this year, which makes sense given they lead the league in possession and touches in the opposition box. Given the situation, seeing them exceed the average of just over six a game is a live possibility. By contrast, Swansea have conceded over 200 themselves – one of only ten teams to have done so.
Luke Ayling to commit 2+ fouls
Matt Targett took a knock against Millwall and will now likely miss Monday’s trip to Wales. Even if the knock wasn’t serious, the turnaround time and the most chocolate-filled weekend of the year are surely negatives.
But before you shout at me and tell me they play on opposite flanks, I know. But with Targett out, the emphasis on Callum Brittain to get forward will be doubled now, leaving Ayling slightly exposed. And as Swansea’s forward line is incredibly direct when they win possession high up the pitch, I can see Ayling taking his shots in order to preserve hope of a much-needed victory to keep the pressure on Millwall and Ipswich.
Swansea v Middlesbrough tips
Swansea and draw
Under 2.5 goals
Middlesbrough over 6.5 corners
Luke Ayling to commit 2+ fouls
A Bet Builder with these bets pays at approximately 18/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
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