Middlesbrough vs Plymouth Prediction & Preview – Championship Round 43 (April 18, 2025)

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Middlesbrough vs Plymouth – Championship Showdown at the Riverside (April 18, 2025)

The race for the playoffs in the EFL Championship heats up as Middlesbrough host Plymouth Argyle on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 15:00 CET-2 in a crucial Round 43 clash at the Riverside Stadium. With both sides still fighting for their respective goals in the final stretch of the season, this matchup could have major consequences in the promotion and relegation battles.

🔴 Middlesbrough: Late Playoff Push in Full Swing

Michael Carrick’s Boro side have hit their stride in 2025. After a shaky end to 2024, they’ve turned things around impressively with 7 wins in 10 matches since the new year began. This run has thrust them into serious playoff contention, and a home win over Plymouth would bring them even closer to securing a coveted top-six finish.

Middlesbrough have turned the Riverside into a fortress, winning 4 of their last 5 home games, including dominant performances over Preston (3-0) and Swansea (2-1). Emmanuel Latte Lath has led the line superbly, netting 5 goals in his last 6 appearances, while the midfield partnership of Hayden Hackney and Dan Barlaser has brought balance and creativity.

🟢 Middlesbrough’s Form in 2025:

  • Matches: 10

  • Wins: 7

  • Draws: 1

  • Losses: 2

  • Goals Scored: 17

  • Goals Conceded: 9

🟢 Plymouth Argyle: Survival Fight Intensifies

Plymouth come into this game on the back of a nervy run. After showing resilience early in 2025, their recent form has dipped — just 1 win from their last 7 matches — and now they sit dangerously close to the relegation zone.

Away from Home Park, Argyle’s struggles are evident: no wins in their last 6 away games, with 4 defeats and 2 draws. The absence of key defenders due to injuries has only worsened their problems, with 12 goals conceded in their last 5 away trips.

However, striker Ryan Hardie remains a glimmer of hope, scoring 3 times in 2025 and offering a constant threat on the break. But against a surging Boro side, Plymouth will need a near-perfect performance to take anything away from the Riverside.

🔻 Plymouth’s Form in 2025:

  • Matches: 10

  • Wins: 2

  • Draws: 3

  • Losses: 5

  • Goals Scored: 9

  • Goals Conceded: 16

🧠 Predicted Lineups

Middlesbrough (4-2-3-1):
Glover – Ayling, Fry, Clarke, Engel – Barlaser, Hackney – Forss, Silvera, Greenwood – Latte Lath
Manager: Michael Carrick

Plymouth (3-4-2-1):
Hazard – Gibson, Scarr, Pleguezuelo – Mumba, Houghton, Randell, Miller – Azaz, Whittaker – Hardie
Manager: Ian Foster

🔍 Tactical Analysis

Middlesbrough will look to control possession, using their full-backs to create width and their front four to pull Plymouth’s backline out of shape. Latte Lath’s pace and movement will be a constant headache for the visitors.

Plymouth are likely to sit deep and look for quick transitions. The focus will be on staying compact and hoping for moments of individual brilliance from Morgan Whittaker or Finn Azaz.

🔮 Match Prediction: Middlesbrough 2-0 Plymouth

Given both sides’ trajectories in 2025, this looks like a comfortable win for Middlesbrough. They’re in excellent form, have home advantage, and face a Plymouth side low on confidence and energy. Expect a solid defensive display and goals from their attacking trio.

✅ Top Betting Tips

  • ✅ Middlesbrough to Win – Momentum and home form favor Boro

  • ✅ Under 2.5 Total Goals – Plymouth likely to sit deep, limit damage

  • ✅ Latte Lath to Score Anytime – 5 goals in his last 6 matches

📊 Key Match Facts

  • Middlesbrough have lost only once at home in 2025.

  • Plymouth are winless in their last 6 away fixtures.

  • Boro have scored in every home match this year.

  • Plymouth have conceded in 8 of their last 10 games.

🏟️ Match Details

  • Fixture: Middlesbrough vs Plymouth Argyle

  • Competition: England – Championship, Round 43

  • Date: April 18, 2025

  • Time: 15:00 CET-2

  • Venue: Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough