Middlesbrough vs Brighton Prediction & Betting Tips - FA Cup

Prediction published on 05/01/2023, 22:01  by Daniel Ngulu in FA Cup Prediction

Middlesbrough will be targeting a continuation of their fine run under Michael Carrick when they take on Premier League side Brighton in the third round of the FA Cup. Placed fifth in the Championship, Middlesbrough are one of the most improved sides over the last two or so months, and this coincides with the arrival of Carrick as manager. They’ve lost just two of the last 10 matches under the former Manchester United midfielder. Coming into this game, they beat Birmingham City 3-1 in the Championship for their third straight win and it seems the biggest worry for Carrick will only be to strengthen in defence. Both sides have scored in Middlesbrough’s last six matches, and they have only two clean sheets in the last 14 games. The hosts will however bank on a four-match unbeaten run at home, having won two and drawn as many.

Brighton are also coming into this game from a strong showing in their last outing, where they thumped Everton 4-1 in the Premier League. They are in a strong position in the league and have shown the potential to take on much stronger sides so they will view this as a winnable game. However, it will not be lost on the visitors that they recently got eliminated from the League Cup by a League One side, Charlton Athletic. Brighton have two wins in their last three matches and they too, haven’t been strong defensively, with just one clean sheet in nine matches. Brighton have failed to score in just one of their last five matches though, and both teams have scored in their last three games. In their away run, Brighton have two straight wins ahead of this game, and having last met Middlesbrough at this same venue in 2018 and won 1-0 in their FA Cup clash, Brighton will be looking to repeat the feat.