Middlesbrough v Leicester
15:00
Leicester’s start to the season has made their triumph in May seem a very distant memory. They have lost seven of their nine away matches so far this term, scrambling draws in the other two, and as we enter the run of New Year fixtures they sit in 16th place on 17 points, a mere three points clear of the drop zone. They travel to Middlesbrough, who have picked up their form after a slow start to the season, and have lost only to Chelsea and Liverpool in their last five home games.
Leicester’s finish to last season suggested they’d thrive against bottom-six opposition this season: they did not concede a single goal in their last four games against such sides en route to four clinical wins, and their 3-0 win over Burnley at the King Power Stadium early in the season was the last time they beat low-ranking opposition. They drew with Middlesbrough at home when they met in late November, but the hosts have won two of their three home matches against bottom-six sides so far this season, and will relish the opportunity to bounce back after their loss at Old Trafford on New Year’s Eve.
Middlesbrough have been level at the half in four of their six games against bottom-six sides, but we think they will be too powerful for Leicester. Back them to pick up the win.
