Middlesbrough v Cardiff predictions: Boro can boost their flagging playoff hopes

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Middlesbrough v Cardiff City in the Championship on Wednesday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football & Main Event, 7.45pm Wednesday

Best bet

Middlesbrough -1 on Asian handicap
1pt 53-50 bet365

Match preview

Middlesbrough manager Chris Wilder has said Wednesday's home clash with Cardiff could define Boro's season and his players can deliver the victory he desires to keep their faint playoff hopes alive.

Boro are without a win in five games and five points adrift of the top six, but they do have a game in hand on the teams they are trying to catch and could welcome back influential centre-back Dael Fry on Wednesday.

The hosts are undoubtedly under pressure but the visit of Cardiff looks an ideal fixture for them to get back on track.

Cardiff manager Steve Morison has made no secret of focusing on plans for next season but his side have suffered three successive defeats for the first time since October.

Midfielder Joe Ralls is injured and on-loan Boro striker Uche Ikpeazu is ineligible for their trip Teesside, further depleting the visitors, and there is every chance of they could suffer a heavy defeat.

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