Liam Duckstein
As the storied FA Cup journeys into its third round, a pulsating encounter awaits us on the 11th of January, 2025, at 14:00 CEST. Middlesbrough is set to host Blackburn in an all-English affair, promising a collision of tactics and flair. Both teams have had varied starts to the season, but their upcoming clash offers a fresh slate on which to etch their FA Cup dreams.
Team Analysis
Middlesbrough and Blackburn have had their fair share of ups and downs in recent outings. Middlesbrough has seen a mixed bag of results, with two wins, one loss, and five draws in their last eight matches, marking a win rate of 25%. Their current form, however, showcases resilience with an unbeaten streak made up mostly of draws.
Blackburn
Blackburn, on the other hand, enters this fixture with three wins, three losses, and two draws over the same period, boasting a stronger win rate of 38%. Despite recent defeats, their overall performance hints at a squad capable of turning tide in challenging matches.
| Team | Total Shots | Goals | Total Corners | Free Kicks | Pass Accuracy (%) | Offsides | Interceptions | Total Fouls | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Middlesbrough | 58 | 8 | 19 | 16 | 87.8 | 16 | 31 | 44 | 7 |
| Blackburn | 47 | 3 | 30 | 8 | 74.9 | 8 | 35 | 69 | 13 |
Key Players to Watch
Every pivotal game features stars worthy of the spotlight. Here are the key players to tune in for during the action:
Middlesbrough
- Emmanuel Latte Lath: An influential forward with 2 goals in his last 5 matches.
- Hayden Hackney: Trusted midfield dynamo, his accurate passing is a fulcrum for the team.
- Ben Doak: Known for his resourceful playmaking and assists.
- Isaiah Jones: Offers speed down the wings, creating crucial cross opportunities.
- Dael Fry: A defensive stalwart with remarkable interceptions and blocks.
Blackburn
- Dominic Hyam: Key defender, consistently breaking down opposition attacks.
- Ryan Hedges: Midfield maestro with dexterous dribbling and precise distribution.
- Tyrhys Dolan: Finesse in midfield movement contributes to transition play.
- Lewis Baker: His ability to move the ball makes Blackburn’s central gameplay efficient.
- Makhtar Gueye: Forward capable of probing and exploiting the smallest of defenses’ gaps.
Possible Starting Lineup
Both teams are projected to continue with their favored formations, the widely trusted 4-2-3-1. Here’s what we might expect:
Middlesbrough’s Possible Lineup:
- Tom Glover (Goalkeeper)
- Anfernee Dijksteel (Right Back)
- Neto Borges (Left Back)
- Dael Fry (Center Back)
- Rav van den Berg (Center Back)
- Daniel Barlaser (Central Midfield)
- Hayden Hackney (Central Midfield)
- Finn Azaz (Attacking Midfield)
- Isaiah Jones (Right Wing)
- Ben Doak (Left Wing)
- Emmanuel Latte Lath (Striker)
This lineup reflects a well-rounded squad with midfield flexibility and defensive stability.
Blackburn’s Possible Lineup:
- Aynsley Pears (Goalkeeper)
- Callum Brittain (Right Back)
- Owen Beck (Left Back)
- Dominic Hyam (Center Back)
- Danny Batth (Center Back)
- Sondre Tronstad (Central Midfield)
- Lewis Baker (Central Midfield)
- Tyrhys Dolan (Attacking Midfield)
- Ryan Hedges (Right Wing)
- Andreas Weimann (Left Wing)
- Makhtar Gueye (Striker)
Blackburn’s structure showcases a balance between defensive responsibilities and forward initiatives aiming to disrupt oppositional lines.
Bookmaker Analysis
| Bookmaker | Middlesbrough | Draw | Blackburn |
|---|---|---|---|
| bons | 1.79 | 3.90 | 4.00 |
| betonred | 1.79 | 3.95 | 3.95 |
| mostbet | 1.80 | 4.10 | 3.95 |
| bovada | 1.80 | 3.70 | 4.10 |
| rocketplay | 1.79 | 4.10 | 3.73 |
Bookmakers generally favor Middlesbrough for a win, placing odds between 1.79 and 1.80. Blackburn’s chances are rated with higher odds, making them a more risky choice for this bout. A draw carries intriguing possibilities for punters seeking an alternative edge, particularly with the fluctuating odds suggesting bookies acknowledge the tightness of this contest.
The Verdict
Middlesbrough
With current statistics and form indicators, the prediction leans in favor of a Middlesbrough win, avoiding a cages judgment of draw outcomes or Blackburn’s upset potential. Given Middlesbrough’s brave defensive plays, Blackburn’s brittle recent displays will need correcting for an upset here. The edgy bet suggests exploring a Middlesbrough win with a handicap against the clock given their shot-heavy approach and relatively better passing accuracy. Total goals bet should lean towards an under 3.5 with both teams succumbing to score clogs in previous fixtures. Finally, the frequency of total corners should look promising at over 9, factoring in both teams’ corner-taking tendencies.