Middlesbrough vs Leicester Prediction

Howzit my bru! Nothing beats a Tuesday night Championship clash with a cold one in hand and the fire going lekker. Middlesbrough vs Leicester is on the menu, and let me tell you, this looks tastier than a 500g rump steak - no vegetables in sight, just pure meaty football action!

Middlesbrough are sitting pretty in 2nd place with 62 points, and their home form is absolutely firing. We're talking 75% win rate in their last four at the Riverside, scoring 2.25 goals per game and conceding absolutely zero - nada, nothing, like my tolerance for salad. They've put four past Preston and Southampton recently, and even ground out a 1-0 against a Norwich side that was in decent nick with 2.20 points per game. The only blot was that 0-0 against Oxford, but bru, even the best boerewors sometimes needs a bit more spice.

Leicester, on the other hand, are having a shocker. Languishing in 22nd with just 33 points, they're closer to the relegation zone than a gas braai is to proper flavour (and we don't talk about those here!). Their away form is softer than pap without sauce - just one win in six on the road. They lost at home to Charlton and Oxford United recently, which is like bringing a salad to a braai. Disrespectful to the game!

The head-to-head history gives the Foxes a slight edge historically, but that was a different Leicester. Current form suggests Boro should dominate this like I dominate a plate of ribs.

The goal expectancies point to around 3 goals in this game, but with Boro's defence tighter than my belt after Christmas (0 conceded in last 4 home games), I'm not convinced Leicester will get on the scoresheet. They've been leaking goals for fun - 17 in their last 10 games with only one clean sheet.

At 1.58 for the home win, the bookies are offering decent value for what should be a straightforward three points for the promotion chasers. Leicester are fighting relegation, but they're about as effective as a braai without beer.

Key Points:

• Middlesbrough have won 75% of their last 4 home games, scoring 9 and conceding 0

• Leicester have won just 16.67% of their last 6 away games and sit 22nd in the table

• Boro's recent 4-0 and 4-0 home wins show they can blow teams away

• Leicester lost at home to bottom-half sides Charlton (0-2) and Oxford (1-2) recently

• The Foxes have kept only 1 clean sheet in their last 10 games (10% rate)

Summary:

This is a no-brainer, bru. Middlesbrough are promotion-bound and Leicester are bound for the drop. Back the home win at 1.58 before you light the coals - this one should be lekker!