Championship

Southampton vs Middlesbrough Prediction: No Shortage Of Drama Following Spy-Gate

2 hours ago

| BY Tony Incenzo

The second leg of our EFL Championship Play-Off Semi-Final between Southampton and Middlesbrough is finely poised and William Hill News tipster Tony Incenzo previews the action.

Yet it is also overshadowed by allegations of a ‘spy gate’ row. Accordingly, the English Football League has charged Southampton regarding spying on Middlesbrough at their Rockliffe Park training ground last week.

All eyes on the EFL Championship – bet on the second tier today at William Hill

An EFL statement read: “Southampton Football Club has today been charged with a breach of EFL regulations, and the matter will be referred to an independent disciplinary commission.

“This follows a request from the EFL for the club’s observations after a complaint from Middlesbrough relating to alleged unauthorised filming on private property ahead of the two clubs’ meeting in Saturday’s Championship play-off semi-final first leg.”

Southampton vs Middlesbrough Prediction:

Southampton to win (13/10)
Southampton to win to nil (7/2)
Southampton 1-0 Middlesbrough (17/2)

The added spice means sports betting is reaching new levels of interest and intrigue. But who will ultimately reach Wembley for the Play-Off Final?

Here is a comprehensive preview of the upcoming tie on the South Coast alongside my considered score prediction to assist your football betting…

First Leg Review

Middlesbrough 0 Southampton 0
Attendance: 32,045

Boro dominated the first half racking up a host of well-worked opportunities. They went closest when Tommy Conway struck the inside of the post from 16 yards.

Even so, the Saints rallied beyond half-time and almost stole it through Taylor Harwood-Bellis with a close range header which rattled the reverberating crossbar.

Middlesbrough: Brynn, Brittain, Ayling, Fry, Malanda, Targett, McGree (sub: Browne 69 mins), Morris, Whittaker (sub: Sarmiento 79 mins), Strelec (sub: Castledine 79 mins), Conway.

Subs not used: Wildsmith, Gilbert, Silvera, Hansen, Ibeh, Hunt.

Southampton: Peretz, Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Wood, Manning, Downes (sub: Charles 69 mins), Jander, Fellows (sub: Matsuki 69 mins), Azaz, Scienza (sub: Edozie 86 mins), Larin (sub: Stewart 60 mins).

Subs not used: Long, Quarshie, Welington, Bragg, Archer.

First Leg Manager Quotes:

Middlesbrough manager Kim Hellberg said: “The first half saw my team’s best showing since I arrived here. Our lads gave absolutely everything against a really good team. The second period was more even. It was not as controlled and not as high quality.

“I simply could not believe my ears when I heard about the claims of spying. It is a weird situation. I just thought: “That can’t be right.” We’ll see what happens. Therefore I kept my focus on the game and what we were going to do. But I don’t like the allegations. They have nothing to do with our supporters and players.”

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert said: “The first leg was a proper display of football. Full credit to Middlesbrough for a very good first half. They went all out and spent a lot of energy in the opening 45 minutes. After half-time, the match opened out and we had chances to win it near the end. It was a mature performance.

“The spying story made the headlines. However, the Play-Offs are all about the players and not the coaching staff. So that’s the important part. Our club has made a statement and I have nothing further to add because we shouldn’t get distracted by it.

“We just need to focus on Tuesday’s Second Leg. It is going to need all our efforts. The boys were outstanding up at Middlesbrough and we can take a lot of positives into the return tie.”