Middlesbrough vs Reading Prediction: Middlesbrough will aim to sustain their chances of automatic promotion

On Saturday afternoon, Middlesbrough will aim to sustain their chances of automatic promotion as they host Reading at the Riverside Stadium in the Championship. Following an impressive winning streak, Boro suffered their first defeat since January last weekend, while the Royals earned a valuable maximum against struggling Blackpool on their home turf.

Middlesbrough's winning streak in the second tier was brought to an abrupt end at The Hawthorns last Saturday, as West Bromwich Albion won 2-0. This was a missed opportunity for Boro to put pressure on Sheffield United. Daryl Dike's quick double made it difficult for Middlesbrough, who had the majority of possession but failed to score despite their efforts. This was only the second time since October that Boro failed to score in a second-tier match, highlighting their impressive form this season, particularly that of Chuba Akpom. Akpom is currently leading the Championship Golden Boot race with 19 goals from 27 appearances, four ahead of Viktor Gyokeres of Coventry City. Middlesbrough are currently third in the Championship table, seven points behind Sheffield United in second place. While promotion via the top-two positions is still possible, Boro are more likely to reach the playoffs in May.

Steffen; Smith, Fry, Lenihan, Giles; Hackney, Howson, Forss, Akpom, McGree; Archer

Reading had a worrying streak of six games without a Championship win in January and February, but they have managed to distance themselves from relegation concerns in the last two weeks. The team led by Paul Ince won six points in three crucial matches against struggling teams Rotherham United, Cardiff City, and Blackpool, leaving them 13 points clear of the bottom three with 13 games left in the season. In their most recent match, Tom Ince scored two goals for Reading, while Andy Carroll's penalty secured a comfortable 3-1 win against Blackpool at the Select Car Leasing Stadium on Saturday. It is worth noting that Reading's fortunes at home and away are quite different, with only 11 of their 44 Championship points being earned away from Berkshire this season - a number only surpassed by Huddersfield Town in terms of fewest away points.

Lumley; Mbengue, Dann, Sarr, McIntyre; Casadei, Hendrick, Meite, Ince, Hoilett; Carroll

Despite suffering a setback in their pursuit of a top-two finish at West Brom last weekend, Middlesbrough should not overlook the impressive work done by Carrick since taking over from Chris Wilder. As Reading travels to the Riverside, they are faced with a possible six-point deduction, and the ongoing EFL investigation may prove to be a distraction for all involved with the club during Saturday's game. It is anticipated that the match will conclude with Middlesbrough win, with less than 2.5 goals being scored.