Premier League preview and odds: Manchester United vs Middlesbrough

Published on: 30/12/2016

Premier League preview and odds: Manchester United vs Middlesbrough

December 31, 2016 15:00pm - Old Trafford

Referee: L. Mason

Premier League

Manchester United will look to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to 10 matches when they face 15th-ranked Middlesbrough at Old Trafford on Saturday. The visitors themselves could do with a win to ease their relegation fears.

United in good shape but still lagging behind in title race

A run on nine games without defeat including four wins in their last four matches has reignited Manchester United`s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League. However, the 20-times former champions are still way out of touch with the title race.

Jose Mourinho`s men have lost just one of their last 17 at home in the league, with their only defeat coming against their rivals from across the city. They come into this match on the back of a 3-1 win at home to David Moyes` Sunderland - a win that kept them within four points of the first Champions League spot.

The Red Devils have scored in each of their last eight matches - however, their scoring rate is still well below that of the top four teams.

Meanwhile, opponents Middlesbrough will be hoping to upset the odd by securing what would be just their second away win of the season when they make the journey south on New Year`s Eve.

Aitor Karanka`s men have only been beaten three times on the road this term, having won one and drawn the other five. They come into this game on the back of a 1-0 defeat away to table neighbours Burnley, who they can overtake should they grab all three points at Old Trafford.

Only Hull City have scored less goals in the league this term than Boro but only four teams have conceded less.

Team news

The home side will continue without Luke Shaw (leg) and James Wilson (ACL), while Wayne Rooney is also a doubt with a muscle problem.

Meanwhile, the visitors will have to make do without the suspended Antonio Barragan and the injured Viktor Fischer.

Recent form (League):

Manchester United: WWWWD

Middlesbrough: LWLLW

Betting odds and tips

United will be favourites but a low goal count can be expected. Mourinho`s men have managed just 14 goals at home all season, while Boro have netted just seven times on the road.

You can back the Manchester United/Under 2.5 Goals at a best price of 39/20.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 30/12/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (30/12/2016 17:19:10) but are subject to change.