Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the Championship match.
At the Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough, known for squandering chances and giving away gifts, will face experienced Portsmouth at the start of the season. The hosts should be wary of these League One graduates.
Middlesbrough
The defeat to Derby County (0:1) can be seen as either a pure mishap or a natural consequence. There were some shots hitting the woodwork and miraculous saves by the goalkeeper, and a disallowed goal, but Middlesbrough offered an inexplicable pass in the midfield to nowhere, quickly capitalised on by the home team's forward. Although Middlesbrough created 1.55 xG, reality was harsher. Their win in the first round against Swansea City (1:0) also wasn't convincing.
Portsmouth
The fact that Portsmouth will be playing away isn't too concerning. In the first round, they already faced promotion contender Leeds United (3:3). Leeds United barely escaped with a draw. However, Portsmouth only managed 0.94 xG in that match. Against Luton Town, the situation was different, though their xG was nearly the same—0.93. Playing at home, they gained a numerical advantage in the 31st minute after the Luton Town's goalkeeper was sent off. In the first half, Portsmouth looked much stronger: 12 shots, 7 on target. After the sending-off, victory seemed within reach, but they vanished in the second half, managing only four off-target shots. Scoring even one goal against Middlesbrough will be tough, as their opponent is solid defensively and allowed only three shots on target in their last game.
Middlesbrough - Portsmouth Prediction
Middlesbrough will dominate possession and attack the visitors, but with both teams being wasteful, a bet on the under 2.5 seems logical.
