Middlesbrough vs Southampton prediction, H2H and probable lineups - January 4, 2026
One of Sunday’s clashes in the 26th round of the English Championship will take place at Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough, where the home side will host Southampton. I’m backing a bet on goals in this encounter, with a strong chance for success.
Match preview
Middlesbrough, under Kim Hellberg, burst into November with four straight wins, but then suffered a worrying slump. Over the last four games, the team has picked up just one point and failed to score a single goal. Consecutive defeats to Bristol City, Hull City, and Derby County, followed by a draw against Blackburn Rovers, cost Boro a place in the top two. They now sit third, just one point shy of second place.
The main issue has been in attack — the team simply can’t convert chances and has gone four rounds without finding the net. Still, Middlesbrough remain a threat at home: they’ve beaten Southampton three times in their last five meetings at Riverside. Moreover, Boro have won all 11 Championship games this season in which they scored first — a potentially decisive factor in this match.
Southampton are also going through a dip in form, despite a bright start under Tonda Eckert, who replaced Will Still in November. After winning six of their first seven matches, the Saints are now on a five-game winless run — three draws and two losses. In recent rounds, Southampton have looked more disciplined, drawing with Birmingham (1-1) and Millwall (0-0), but it’s not enough to break into the top six.
The south coast club is down in 14th place, seven points off the playoff zone. Southampton haven’t beaten Middlesbrough in their last three meetings, and their last four away games have all ended without a win. Their last away victory was back in November, a thumping 5-1 win over Charlton.
Probable lineups
- Middlesbrough: Brynn, Silvera, Ayling, Targett, Bangura, Gilbert, Morris, Whittaker, Hackney, Conway, Burgzorg
- Southampton: Bazunu, Wood, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Fellows, Downes, Yander, Manning, Azaz, Chienza, Armstrong
Match facts and head-to-head
- Middlesbrough have won all 11 matches this season in which they scored first.
- Three of Southampton’s last four games have ended in a draw.
- The last two head-to-head meetings between these teams both ended in draws.
Prediction
Both sides are struggling to get wins, focusing on not losing and maintaining balance in their play. Middlesbrough have the home advantage but are failing to convert chances, while Southampton have tightened up defensively. In this context, a draw with goals on both sides looks the most likely outcome.
