Plymouth v Middlesbrough

Plymouth vs Middlesbrough Preview

Plymouth Argyle slumped to a fourth league defeat on the trot in the Championship last weekend when The Pilgrims suffered a 2-0 defeat away from home at Sheffield United but although the west country outfit return to the home surroundings of Home Park this Saturday, recent results suggest manager Wayne Rooney could come under further pressure this weekend.

Middlesbrough returned to winning ways last weekend when Boro inflicted a 1-0 home win upon visitors Millwall at the Riverside Stadium but although recent results have been a bit of a mixed bag for Michael Carrick's side, the north-east visitors will still fancy their chances of gaining a result in the west country on Saturday.

Plymouth Argyle occupy second from bottom position in the Championship table following four defeats on the trot which saw The Pilgrims slip up against the likes of Norwich City, Bristol City, Swansea City and Sheffield United respectively, while three of these four losses also resulted in Over 2.5 goals.

The wider picture shows Plymouth Argyle are once again amongst the candidates for possible relegation this season as the hosts have managed to collect just one win from their previous 11 games overall in the Championship.

The Pilgrims' only success during this period came in the form of a 1-0 home win against Portsmouth in the ‘dockyards derby' back in early November but having also lost seven of these 11 games, Rooney's side look to be up against it.

Middlesbrough still remain in the play-off pack in the Championship table as the north-east club currently occupy sixth place in the English second tier standings prior to this upcoming trip down to the south west to take on Plymouth Argyle.

Despite being handed losses at the hands of fellow high-flyers, Blackburn Rovers and Leeds United, Boro have also collected an important five wins within their last eight league matches overall.

Important victories gained over the likes of QPR, Luton Town, Oxford United, Hull City and Millwall have helped keep Michael Carrick's side in the conversation for possible promotion, while the goals market appeals here with no fewer than seven out of Middlesbrough's last 10 matches resulting in Over 2.5 goals being scored.

The visitors also possess a few key dangerous attacking personnel in the shape of Tommy Conway and Emmanuel Latte Lath (8 goals apiece) along with Finn Azaz (6 goals), and these players could be instrumental in guiding Boro to another three points here on Saturday afternoon.

Plymouth Argyle v Middlesbrough Verdict

Middlesbrough have lost just once in their last five encounters with Plymouth Argyle and having picked up three wins within this period against their hosts as well, each being away from home, Boro look the more likely for the points.

Therefore, our main bet will be Over 2.5 goals @ 1.57

Other side bets worth considering:

Middlesbrough win & Over 2 goals @ 2.00

Correct Score: Middlesbrough 2-1 @ 8.50