Bristol City v Middlesbrough: Sky Bet Championship betting preview and free tip

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Jonathan Woodgate has found his first steps into management challenging and things are unlikely to get any easier for the Middlesbrough man at Bristol City.

Boro have picked up only five points from as many matches and their slow start has coincided with Woodgate attempting to transform the playing style at the Riverside to be more positive and exciting.

It may be better on the eye than the football played under former boss Tony Pulis but results have not improved and the pressure is starting to mount on Woodgate.

Bristol City have collected ten points from their first five games, with league leaders Leeds the only side to have their measure.

New signing Benik Afobe has hit the ground running with three goals in five starts and he has formed a formidable partnership up front with Famara Diedhiou.

Lee Johnson’s men finished just four points off the playoffs last term but look better equipped to push for promotion this season and they may have too much for an inconsistent Boro.

Recommendation
Bristol City
1pt 11-10 Betfred

Bet on this match at Soccerbase.com

Team news
Bristol City
Defender Tomas Kalas joins Adam Nagy, Korey Smith and Jay Dasilva on the sidelines.

Middlesbrough
Captain George Friend remains a doubt and Hayden Coulson is definitely out. Dael Fry may make his return to action.

Key stat
Boro have shipped 14 times in their last seven away encounters.

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