S.P.Read Esq: Middlesbrough v Norwich

Our daily columnist and pundit S.P. Read Esq. looks ahead to the Championship Play-Off final on Monday (3pm SKY) between MIDDLESBROUGH v NORWICH and finds the best opportunities available on Star Spreads, the home of sports spread betting.

The richest game in football this afternoon with Middlesbrough v Norwich fighting it out for an estimated prize of £120 million that goes along a place in the Premier League.

Both sides are bidding for a return to top flight football. Boro have been in the Championship since 2009 and Norwich bid to bounce back after they were relegated in 2014.

Boro did the double over Norwich in the regular season by an aggregate of 5-0 but their head coach Aitor Karanka is playing down the significance of this in the context of today’s match. He said: “I don’t think the two games this season were a good reflection, because at the start of the season they were in a good way and in the game we played there they had chances and we were defending for 60 minutes. I don’t think we are favourites, especially because you look at the squad. They were playing in the Premier League for the last three seasons and we were playing to stay in the division last season.”

Boro are right to play down their chances as they have failed to win in four previous appearances at Wembley.

Middlesbrough v Norwich
Championship Play-Off Final
3pm SKY

HEAD TO HEAD
(Maximum 10 matches)
Apr 2015 Championship Norwich 0-1 Middlesbro
Nov 2014 Championship Middlesbro 4-0 Norwich
Jan 2011 Championship Middlesbro 1-1 Norwich
Oct 2010 Championship Norwich 1-0 Middlesbro
Jan 2005 Premiership Norwich 4-4 Middlesbro
Dec 2004 Premiership Middlesbro 2-0 Norwich
Mar 1998 League Div 1 Middlesbro 3-0 Norwich
Nov 1997 League Div 1 Norwich 1-3 Middlesbro
May 1993 Premiership Middlesbro 3-3 Norwich
Oct 1992 Premiership Norwich 1-1 Middlesbro

It looks set to be another tight game with both teams more scared to lose rather than having the bravery to win.

The tight nature of the game may well suit Boro who have kept more clean sheets than any other Championship team this season.

But it’s the bookings market that appeals most on Star Spreads. I’m a buyer at 46 in a game which could get very lively on the cards front. Today’s ref Mike Dean is averaging 47 points over the season so he’s by no means afraid to get the cards out.

CLICK FOR MIDDLESBROUGH v NORWICH MARKETS ON STAR SPREADS

RECOMMENDED BETS (scale 1-100 points)

BUY BOOKINGS for 30 points at 47 points with Star Spreads

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.