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Barnsley vs Middlesbrough Odds & Prediction – EFL Championship Round 41

Sam Cox

by Sam Cox in Soccer News

Updated Apr 9, 2021 · 9:20 AM PDT

Barnsley vs Middlesbrough
Barnsley's Dominik Frieser, centre kicks the ball as Chelsea's N'Golo Kante closes in during the English FA Cup fifth round soccer match between Barnsley and Chelsea at the Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley, England,Thursday Feb. 11, 2021. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson, Pool)
  • In-form Barnsley take on Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship on April 10th
  • The visitors have fallen out of playoff contention in recent weeks
  • Get the latest odds, betting preview and our pick below

Barnsley vs Middlesbrough kicks off in Round 41 of the EFL Championship on April 10th, 2021. Currently, in fifth place, Barnsley are in the midst of the playoff mix. Middlesbrough’s season has been on a different trajectory, with a string of disappointing results leaving the club in mid-table.

With only a handful of league matches remaining, every result is crucial for teams like Barnsley. Middlesbrough, in contrast, have little to play for. Motivation could prove to be an issue for the visitors on Saturday.

[promoted-sportsbook]

Barnsley is favored for this one. They’ve moved into +450 to get promoted with DraftKings and will see this match as an opportunity to secure their top-six spot while Reading is away to Norwich and Swansea face Millwall.

Barnsley vs Middlesbrough Odds

Matchup Spread Moneyline Total at DraftKings
Barnsley vs Middlesbrough BAR -0.5 (+120) | MID +0.5 (-152) BAR +120 | MID +230 | DRAW +225 Ov 2.5 (+125) | Un 2.5 (-157)

All odds as of Apr 9

Barnsley Under Pressure

Hopes of the top six have faded for Middlesbrough of late. Picking up one of the last nine available points is a significant blow. It would be a spectacular turnaround if Boro are to make the top six from this position. How they approach this match will show a lot about Middlesbrough’s confidence over the rest of the season. If they win this and other results go their way, they might just start believing they can do it.

As such, this is an opportunity for Barnsley to wipe out another top six rival. Winning on Saturday would effectively end Middlesbrough’s season. Barnsley got back to winning ways in midweek, led by goals in each half from Daryl Dike. This reasserted their position as the Championship’s form team.

Only the top two – Norwich and Watford – have accumulated more points since the turn of the year. Barnsley have 10 more points than Boro despite having played one less league match in 2021.

Boro Struggle On the Road

Middlesbrough have lost their last three on the road. They traditionally haven’t fared well when they head to Barnsley either, losing five of their last seven league trips to Oakwell. Four defeats in six away league matches isn’t ideal preparation for a matchup with this Barnsley side.

Barnsley’s home form isn’t exactly spectacular, but they have been an effective team at both ends of the pitch. Although winless in three at Oakwell, their form in 2021 is impossible to ignore. Only three teams have conceded fewer goals. Only four have scored more.

They aren’t one of the Championship’s biggest names. Their squad isn’t laden with high-paid stars or former Premier League veterans. There’s no question Barnsley have been among the division’s best teams over the last few months, however.

Barnsley vs Middlesbrough Championship Statistics

Barnsley
VS
Middlesbrough
5th Position 10th
52 Goals scored 48
47.5% Average possession 47.4%
56 yellows, 3 reds Cards 57 yellows, 2 reds
12 Shots per match 11.3
50% Shots inside the area 53%

Back the Hosts

Middlesbrough are securely a top half Championship team. That much has been clear throughout the season. Warnock’s side have rarely shown they can be much better than that, however, and they face a Barnsley side who have been playing at an automatic promotion pace for half the season. The Barnsley we have seen in 2021 is better than Middlesbrough have been at any point throughout the campaign.

Boro won 2-1 in the reverse fixture. Such a result is unlikely this weekend, though. A lot has changed since October, and Barnsley are barely comparable to the team who travelled to the north east.

On the back of a brace in midweek, Dike to score anytime could be a good bet at +180. For those looking at the moneyline, a Barnsley win is the way to go.

Pick: Barnsley moneyline (+120)


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