Championship Clash: Middlesbrough's Home Form Tested Against Blackburn Rovers in a Tactical Battle of the Midfield

Middlesbrough face Blackburn Rovers at 23:00 in the England Championship. Middlesbrough's recent form shows three wins, two draws, and one loss in their last six matches. At home, they boast a solid record of two wins and two draws, scoring eight goals and conceding five. Their defensive stability is anchored by centre-back Darragh Lenihan, who averages 6.4 clearances per game and excels in aerial duels with an 82% success rate, partnering with the defender. Middlesbrough primarily uses a 4-3-3 formation. Midfielder Jonathan Howson is a key player, averaging 2.8 key passes and 3.0 tackles per game, offering both offensive organisation and defensive support. Their attack relies on wing play and set pieces, with a 37% success rate for crosses from the right and 32% of goals coming from set pieces. Forward Josh Coburn has scored three goals in his last five appearances, despite averaging 10.6 shots per game. Blackburn Rovers have a record of two wins, three draws, and one loss in their last six games. Away from home, their performance is more balanced, with one win, two draws, and one loss, having scored seven goals and conceded six. Ben Brereton Díaz is a key player, averaging 2.9 key passes per game and contributing three goals and two assists in his last five matches, with a 56% shooting accuracy. Midfielder John Buckley is the team's metronome, averaging 88 passes per game with a 91% completion rate and 2.7 key passes. Blackburn Rovers maintains 56% possession on average. They rely heavily on wing play, with 59% of their attacks coming from the flanks and a 38% success rate for crosses from the left. Their defence is robust, averaging 10.1 tackles per game. However, they will be without their first-choice centre-back, Scott Wharton, due to injury. Recommendation: Middlesbrough