Middlesbrough vs Southampton Prediction and Betting Tips | January 4th 2026

Middlesbrough lock horns with Southampton on matchday 26 of the Championship on Sunday. The two sides are in opposite halves of the points table.

Kim Hellberg's Middlesbrough are fresh off a 1-0 defeat at Derby County on New Year's Day. Despite being dominated on possession (32%), Bobby Clark's 70th-minute strike sunk the visitors.

Following consecutive losses (and third in four games), Boro have slipped to third in the standings, with 43 points from 25 games, winning 12.

Meanwhile, Tonda Eckert's Southampton are coming off a goalless home draw with Millwall in midweek. The Saints saw two-thirds of the ball but had only one shot on target as a share of the spoils ensued.

After a third stalemate in four games - including the last two - Eckert's side remain 14th in the poins table, with 33 points from 25 matches, winning eight.

On that note, here's a look at the head-to-head stats and key numbers, match prediction, and betting tips for the Middlesbrough-Southampton Championship clash at the Riverside:

Middlesbrough vs Southampton head-tohead stats and key numbers

• In 60 games across competitions, Southampton lead Middlesbrough 25-18, drawing their last clash 1-1 away in the Championship in September.
• Both sides have won twice apiece in their last six meetings, with both Boro wins coming in the Premier League, while the Saints have won twice in the Championship.
• Boro have two wins and as many losses in their last five home games - all in the Championship.
• The Saints are winless in four road outings - all in the Championship - losing three.
• Form guide (last five games across competitions, most recent result first): Middlesbrough: L-L-D-L-W; Southampton: D-D-L-D-L

Middlesbrough vs Southampton prediction

The two sides have had contrasting campaigns. While Middlesbrough are a point off the automatic promotion places, Southampton are seven points adrft of the top six and a shot at the play-offs.

In terms of head-to-head, the Saints have a slender advantage, but neither side have dominated recently, with four wins apiece in their last 14 clashes across competitions since May 2022.

Both teams are on winless runs (Middlesbrough-four, Southampton-five), but Boro's overall better form and the need to stay in touch with second-placed Ipswich Town could see them eke out a slender win.

Prediction: Middlesbrough 2-1 Southampton

Middlesbrough vs Southampton betting tips

Tip-1: Boro to win

Tip-2: Saints to score (They have done so in 10 of their last 11 games.)

Tip-3: Over 1.5 goals (Their last four meetings have had at least two goals.)

Edited by Bhargav