Birmingham v Middlesbrough

Birmingham vs Middlesbrough Preview

Birmingham City's worrying slide down the Championship table continued on Saturday afternoon after being handed a 1-0 defeat away from home at fellow strugglers, Millwall, which also became a third defeat in four games for The Blues, while Middlesbrough registered a solid and impressive 2-0 win away at lowly QPR which made it two wins on the trot for Michael Carrick's side.

Birmingham City had previously seemed to have turned a corner following the arrival of experienced manager, Tony Mowbray, as he'd helped guide The Blues to three important wins within his first five games in charge which included victories over Stoke City, Blackburn Rovers and Sunderland respectively, the latter two wins being against his former clubs, but then the west midlands club suffered another setback.

Tony Mowbray had to step down to receive emergency surgery which has left assistant Mark Venus in charge and three losses in their subsequent four games has now placed the hosts in a precarious position where they sit just one point above the relegation zone ahead of this Tuesday night's clash with Middlesbrough.

The prospects of a home win here aren't great but goals for both teams does appeal as six of Birmingham's last 10 games overall have resulted in both teams scoring.

Middlesbrough climbed up into 11th place in the Championship standings following a solid 2-0 win on the road in the nation's capital at QPR to keep Boro's slim hopes of achieving a play-off place alive and this victory followed a previous important 3-1 home win against Norwich City to make it two wins on the trot for the visitors.

However, Middlesbrough have made it tough for themselves as they'd managed to capture just one win from their preceding eight games in all competitions beforehand which came in the form of another impressive away win at Leicester City with Boro winning 2-1 but Michael Carrick's side also slipped to five defeats within this eight-game sequence as well, thus causing a big dent in their play-off aspirations.

Having picked up just four wins from their previous 10 games overall in the Championship, Middlesbrough's chances of picking up all three points at St Andrews on Tuesday night do seem to hang in the balance especially as Boro have also been dealt four defeats within this period as well, but goals for both sides does look promising.

Seven of Middlesbrough's last 10 games overall have resulted in both teams hitting the back of the net as well.

Birmingham City v Middlesbrough Verdict

Middlesbrough have won each of the last four meetings against Birmingham City but Tuesday night's game is a case of Championship survival versus claiming a possible play-off spot, so it boils down to whose needs are greater.

Both teams to score looks the best option though.

Therefore, our main bet will be BTTS Yes @ 1.57

Other side bets worth considering:

Middlesbrough win @ 2.55

Correct Score: Middlesbrough 2-1 @ 10.00