Competition: Championship

Market: Middlesbrough win

Odds: 19/20 @ 888sport

Looking to mark their return to action with another statement on Saturday afternoon, Middlesbrough will welcome Luton to the Riverside this weekend.

Starting with the hosts, while some might have been shocked to see Michael Carrick arrive at the Riverside back in October, the former Manchester United coach has handed Middlesbrough a real boost. Although the Reds might mark their return to action this weekend still battling it out in the bottom-half of the Championship table, they should find the mood in their camp at a recent high. Last seen in second-tier action on November 12th as they entered the World Cup’s festive break with a stellar 2-1 victory away at Norwich, Boro will simply be looking to carry on from where they left off last month. With their sights firmly set on breaking into the top-12 here, Saturday’s hosts have lost just one of their previous seven Championship contests. With that run highlighted by a 3-0 romp away at Blackpool, Carrick’s side had impressed with their free-scoring displays in the final third.

As for the visitors, while Luton might have shocked many as they claimed a stunning play-off spot last season, the Hatters are enduring a recent wobble this time around. Watching now-former boss Nathan Jones make the move to Premier League outfit Southampton last month, the Whites mark their return to action with just a single victory from any of their last six matchups against Championship opposition. With that run highlighted by a 4-0 drumming away at Watford, new boss Rob Edwards has seen his side show some extended issues in the final third. Facing what could be a tough test when they travel to the Riverside on Saturday afternoon, Luton should also be worried by their most recent meeting against a resurging Boro. Suffering a 2-1 loss when they last traveled to the north east back in March, we’re expecting a similar outcome this weekend.

Bet: Middlesbrough 19/20 to beat Luton in Saturday’s Championship battle @ 888sport