Prediction for match Middlesbrough — Preston, 24.01.2026

Match Analysis: Middlesbrough vs Preston North End

On January 24, Middlesbrough will face Preston North End in the English Championship. Bookmakers have marked Middlesbrough as the favorites: their win is priced at 1.62, which corresponds to a 57.83% probability. A draw is at 3.82 (24.53%), while a victory for Preston North End is at 5.31 (17.64%). This difference in percentages and odds reflects Middlesbrough's advantage based on current form and recent match results. The betting line also offers options for totals and both teams to score, but the main focus is on Middlesbrough's strong attack and their ability to control the game. However, Preston North End's statistics suggest they shouldn't be completely written off, especially considering their recent head-to-head results.

Team Results and Statistics

In their last five matches, Middlesbrough has shown confident play, with an average possession of 56.8%, committing 7.6 fouls, receiving 1 yellow card, and recording 2.4 offsides per game. Preston North End, over the same period, has 51.6% possession, 10.6 fouls, 1.8 yellow cards, and 2.4 offsides. Middlesbrough won against Stoke City (2-1, 21.01.2026), West Bromwich (3-2, 16.01.2026), but lost to Fulham (1-3, 10.01.2026). Preston North End lost to Hull City (0-3, 20.01.2026), Derby County (0-1, 17.01.2026), and Wigan Athletic (0-1, 09.01.2026). The last head-to-head meeting between the teams ended in a 2-2 draw on 13.09.2025.

How Many Goals to Expect?

Middlesbrough has been prolific in their last five matches, with an average of 3.4 goals per match, scoring 2 goals and conceding 1.4. Preston North End averages 2 total goals, with 1 scored and 1 conceded. Middlesbrough's matches have seen over 2.5 goals in 4 out of 5 games, while Preston North End has seen this in 2 out of 5. Middlesbrough has not seen over 1.5 goals in the first half in any of their matches, and Preston North End only once in five. In the second half, Middlesbrough has exceeded 1.5 goals in four out of five matches, while Preston North End has done so twice. Middlesbrough most frequently scores between the 61st and 90th minutes (72% of their goals), while Preston North End spreads their goals between the 16-30, 61-75, and 76-90 minutes (33% each). Middlesbrough concedes mostly between the 46th and 60th minutes (50%), while Preston North End concedes across three different intervals, but no more than 25% in each. Given Middlesbrough's high scoring rate and their profile for overs, a bet on over 2.5 goals at 1.89 seems logical.

Corner Totals Analysis

Middlesbrough averages 5.6 corners per match, while Preston North End averages 4.2. In the last five matches, Middlesbrough has exceeded 9.5 corners twice, and Preston North End has done so three times. The odds for over 9.5 corners are at 1.67, and under 9.5 is at 2.08. Middlesbrough is the favorite for corner outcomes with odds of 1.19. The combined average of both teams is close to 9.8, making a bet on over 9.5 corners justified. It's also worth noting that Middlesbrough consistently earns more set-pieces, which could impact the final corner statistics.