Middlesbrough v Everton Prediction and Preview – 01/12/15

Capital One Cup preview – Middlesbrough v Everton prediction

Grant Leadbitter is available to return to Middlesbrough midfield after missing the Championship game at Huddersfield on Saturday. Manager Aitor Karanka must choose between David Nugent and Enrique Martinez for the lone striker role. Neither player has been prolific this term but Nugent’s experience may see him preferred in the starting eleven.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez would like to name a strong team but may not risk playing James McCarthy who came off with a groin strain at Bournemouth on Saturday. Tom Cleverley could be preferred on the right side of midfield ahead of Darren Gibson. Ross Barkley was used as a sub against Norwich in the previous round but could start now Wembley is within sight. Leyton Baines is close to a come back from the ankle injury which has kept the England full back out for the past 12 weeks

Possible Line-ups

Middlebrough: 4-2-3-1 formation: Tomas; De Sciglio, Romagnoli, Alex, Abate; De Jong, Poli, Kucka; Bonaventura; Bacca, Cerci

Everton: 4-2-3-1 formation: Robles; Kalas, Gibson, Ayala, Friend; Clayton, Leadbitter; Nsue, Fabrini, Downing; Nugent

Statistics

• Middlesbrough have won 5, drawn 2 and lost 3 of their last 10 matches
• Everton have won 4, drawn 4 and lost 2 of their last 10 matches
• Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Middlesbrough have scored an average of 1 goal and conceded an average of 0.7 goals per game
• Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Everton have scored an average of 2.2 goals and conceded an average of 1.6 goals per game
• There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 3 of Middlesbrough’s previous 10 matches
• There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 7 of Everton’s previous 10 matches

Prediction

Middlesbrough’s 2-0 win at Huddersfield will have been good preparation for the League Cup quarter-final clash against Everton. Karanka’s men soaked up a lot of pressure and had the quality to take  their chances when they came, which is what they’ll need to do to beat the Premier League big boys on Tuesday. The Teesiders shut out Manchester United before winning the 4th round tie at Old Trafford on penalties and Championship form of five wins in six games has propelled Middlesbrough into an automatic promotion place.

An away draw won’t be too much concern for Everton who have only lost once (v Arsenal 2-1) on their travels this season. However it’s been hard work reaching the quarter-finals of this competition. The Toffees won at Barnsley 5-3 in extra time in round two, they had to come from behind to beat Reading 2-1 in the next round before beating Norwich on penalties at Goodison Park to reach this stage.

Of three Championships sides remaining, Middlesbrough look to have the best chance of causing an upset and are taken to progress to the Capital One Cup semi-finals.

Tips

Middlesbrough to qualify for semi-finals at 6/5 with bwin

Middlesbrough to win in 90 mins at 2/1 with bet365

Middlesbrough to win 1-0 at 9/1 with 888sport

What are your predictions?

Click here to see more Capital One Cup previews, predictions and tips