Middlesbrough vs Blackburn: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Ladbrokes' detailed preview for Middlesbrough vs Blackburn in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 15:00 GMT match.

• Fixture: Middlesbrough vs Blackburn
• Date: Friday, 26 December 2025
• Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
• Venue: Riverside Stadium

Middlesbrough come into this match with a strong run of form, having won four out of their last five games. Their recent loss to Bristol City might sting, but their attacking prowess, demonstrated by wins like the 4-1 thrashing of Hull City, suggests they'll be looking to bounce back with a strong performance. With players like Strelec and Whittaker in fine form, Middlesbrough could pose a significant threat to Blackburn's defence.

Blackburn, on the other hand, have been less consistent, with only one win in their last five matches. Their recent victory against Millwall will give them some confidence, but the draws and loss that preceded it show a team struggling to find their rhythm. They'll need to be at their best to contain Middlesbrough's attack, and players like Pickering will be crucial in their efforts to secure a positive result.

Match Prediction: Middlesbrough 2-1 Blackburn

Middlesbrough have been in excellent form recently, winning four out of their last five matches. Their only blemish was a 0-2 loss away to Bristol City, but they've shown resilience and attacking flair in victories like the 4-1 win over Hull City and the 3-1 triumph against QPR. This run of form should give them plenty of confidence heading into this match, and they'll be eager to continue their winning streak.

Recent Championship Results:

• Loss: 0-2 vs Bristol City (A)
• Win: 3-1 vs QPR (H)
• Win: 2-1 vs Charlton (A)
• Win: 4-1 vs Hull City (A)
• Win: 2-1 vs Derby (H)

Blackburn's recent form has been less impressive, with just one win in their last five games. Their 2-0 victory over Millwall at home is a positive note, but it's preceded by a loss to Portsmouth and three draws against Oxford United, Ipswich, and Wrexham. This inconsistency could be a concern, but the win against Millwall might just be the boost they need to turn things around.

Recent Championship Results:

• Win: 2-0 vs Millwall (H)

• Loss: 1-2 vs Portsmouth (A)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Oxford United (H)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Ipswich (H)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Wrexham (A)

The head-to-head record between Middlesbrough and Blackburn shows a closely contested rivalry. Middlesbrough had the upper hand in the most recent encounter, winning 2-0 in their last league meeting on 04 Apr 2025. However, Blackburn have also tasted success. They fought out a 0-0 draw on 16 Mar 2024, which suggests that these matches can often be tight affairs.

Recent Championship Results

• Blackburn 0-2 Middlesbrough (04 Apr 2025)

• Middlesbrough 0-1 Blackburn (27 Nov 2024)

• Middlesbrough 0-0 Blackburn (16 Mar 2024)

• Blackburn 2-1 Middlesbrough (16 Sep 2023)

• Blackburn 1-2 Middlesbrough (29 Dec 2022)

• Aidan Morris (Leg) – Doubt

• Dael Fry (Calf) – Doubt

• Abdoulaye Kanté (Groin) – Doubt

• Darragh Lenihan (Ankle) – Doubt

• Seny Dieng (Achilles) - Out

• Ryan Alebiosu (International Duty) – Out

• Adam Forshaw (Hamstring) – Out

• Kristi Montgomery (Ankle) – Doubt

• Hayden Carter (Calf) – Doubt

• Balazs Toth (Knee) – Out

• Scott Wharton (Achilles) – Out

• Augustus Kargbo (Calf) – Out

• Jake Garrett (Leg) - Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Brynn (GK), Brittain (DF), Ayling (DF), Jones (DF), Targett (DF), Gilbert (MF), Hackney (MF), Whittaker (MF), McGree (MF), Strelec (AT), Conway (AT)

Middlesbrough are expected to start with a 4-2-2-2 lineup, with Brynn between the posts and a back four of Brittain, Ayling, Jones, and Targett. This will enable them to have a solid defensive structure while enabling Gilbert and Hackney to boss the midfield, feeding the ball to attackers Strelec and Conway.

• Predicted lineup: Pears (GK), Miller (DF), Pratt (DF), McLoughlin (DF), Litherland (MF), Morishita (MF), Tronstad (MF), Pickering (MF), Cantwell (MF), Ohashi (AT), Guðjohnsen (AT)

Blackburn are likely to deploy a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Pears between the posts and a back three of Miller, McLoughlin, and Pratt. This formation should provide defensive stability while allowing Litherland, Morishita, Tronstad, and Pickering to push forward and support the attacking trio of Cantwell, Ohashi, and Guðjohnsen.

• Strelec vs Miller: Strelec's pace and finishing will be tested by Miller's defensive solidity.

• Hackney vs Litherland: Hackney's control in midfield will be crucial against Litherland's energetic pressing.

• Whittaker (Middlesbrough): Whittaker's creativity and goal-scoring ability make him a key player for Middlesbrough.

• Pickering (Blackburn): Pickering's versatility and work rate will be vital for Blackburn's chances.

Middlesbrough vs Blackburn at 15:00 GMT on Friday, 26 December 2025 is being broadcast live for viewers in the UK on Sky Sports+

Ladbrokes is predicting that the score will be Middlesbrough 2-1 Blackburn in this match

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