A potential title deciding clash between the top two in the Championship.
Coventry vs Middlesbrough
| Tournament: | Championship |
|---|---|
| Venue: | Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry |
| Date: | 16.02.2026 |
| Time: | 20:00 GMT |
A high-stakes Championship clash awaits as second-placed Coventry prepare to host league leaders Middlesbrough at their home ground on Monday 16th February 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 8:00 PM GMT.
Coventry vs Middlesbrough Form & Head to Head
Coventry enter this match after a recent dip in form, having drawn their last outing 0-0 at home against Oxford. This result sees them drop to 14th in the form table over the last six matches. Prior to that stalemate, the Sky Blues experienced a mixed run, with their last six Championship fixtures showing two wins, one draw, and three losses. They secured victories against Millwall (2-1) and Leicester (2-1) at home, but suffered away defeats to QPR (2-1), Norwich (2-1), and an FA Cup loss to Stoke (1-0). Their recent form has seen them pick up just one point from their last three league outings, a concern for a team vying for promotion.
In stark contrast, Middlesbrough arrive in scintillating form, having secured a 2-1 away victory against Sheffield United in their last game. The Teessiders boast an impeccable record in their last six Championship matches, winning all six. This impressive run has propelled them to the top of the form table,. During this period, they've netted at least two goals in five of those six matches,. Furthermore, Middlesbrough have been winning at both half-time and full-time in their last three Championship games, demonstrating their ability to start strong and maintain control.
Despite Middlesbrough's current league position and form, history tells a different story in this fixture. The last meeting between these two sides saw Coventry claim a dominant 4-2 away victory against Middlesbrough in November 2025.
Looking further back, Coventry have historically held the upper hand in this rivalry. They have won their last six matches against Middlesbrough across all competitions,.
Coventry vs Middlesbrough Predicted Lineups
Coventry (4-2-3-1):
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Goalkeeper: Rushworth
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Defenders: Dasilva, Kitching, Thomas, v. Ewijk
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Midfielders: Eccles, Grimes
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Attacking Midfielders: Esse, Rudoni, Sakamoto
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Forward: Simms
Middlesbrough (4-4-2):
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Goalkeeper: Brynn
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Defenders: Targett, Malanda, Ayling, Brittain
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Midfielders: McGree, Hackney, Morris, Browne
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Forwards: Whittaker, Conway
Coventry vs Middlesbrough Team News
Coventry will be without Brandon Thomas-Asante, who is serving the third and final match of a three-game suspension. Ephron Mason-Clark is also a doubt after suffering a late fitness setback before the Oxford United clash and will undergo a reassessment. However, the good news for the hosts is that Jack Rudoni, Ellis Simms, Bobby Thomas, and Liam Kitching are all expected to return to the starting XI.
Middlesbrough face a more extensive injury list, with several key players sidelined. Dieng, Lenihan, Jones, Edmundson, Sène, and Castledine are all out injured. Despite these absences, manager Kim Hellberg could opt to field the same starting XI that triumphed over Sheffield United, suggesting confidence in his available squad. Leo Castledine has returned to light training, but this match comes too soon for his return.
BresBet
Coventry vs Middlesbrough Match Prediction
Coventry's shaky run of form continued in gameweek 31 as the Sky Blues were unable to capitalise on a second-half Oxford United red card, playing out a goalless draw on home soil. Frank Lampard's men have dropped to second after picking up just one point from their last three league outings.
Middlesbrough wasted no time against a strong Sheffield United side on Monday night, scoring twice before the half-time break to set up a 2-1 away win at Bramall Lane. The Teessiders have won six consecutive league games heading into this promotion six-pointer, and are the new league leaders.
Score Prediction: Coventry 1-2 Middlesbrough
Who is the betting favourite in Coventry vs Middlesbrough?
| Result | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Coventry | 11/8 | AKBets |
| Draw | 13/5 | Bresbet |
| Middlesbrough | 21/10 | Bresbet |
Last updated 14:30 on 16/02/2026.
Coventry vs Middlesbrough Player Stat Trends
Morgan Whittaker:
Has attempted 3 or more shots in 7 of their last 10 appearances (Championship). He has also scored or assisted in 4 of their last 6 appearances (Championship) and attempted 2 or more shots in 8 of their last 10 appearances (Championship).
Tommy Conway:
Has scored in 3 of their last 4 appearances (Championship). He has also recorded 1 or more shots on target in 5 of their last 5 appearances (Championship) and scored or assisted in 3 of their last 4 appearances (Championship).
Milan van Ewijk:
Has made 3 or more tackles in 6 of their last 6 appearances (Championship).
Hayden Hackney:
Has recorded 1 or more shots on target in 6 of their last 8 appearances (Championship). He has also attempted 2 or more shots in 8 of their last 10 appearances (Championship).
Jack Rudoni:
Has provided assists in 3 of their last 5 appearances (Championship).
Match Stat:
There have been 9 or more shots on target in 8 of Coventry's last 10 matches (Championship).
Middlesbrough have had 7 or more shots on target in 3 of their last 4 matches (Championship).
Coventry vs Middlesbrough Best Bets
Hayden Hackney 1+ Shot on Target
Best price 13/10 with Betway
Tommy Conway Anytime Goalscorer
Best price 27/10 with BetMGM
Middlesbrough to Win
Best price 21/10 with BetMGM
Over 8.5 Total Shots on Target
Best price 8/11 with Sky Bet
Coventry vs Middlesbrough Bet Builder Tips
Our bet builder tip for Coventry vs Middlesbrough features Hayden Hackey 1+ Shot on Target, Tommy Conway 1+ Shot on Target & Middlesbrough to win.
At the time of publishing it is a best price of 15/2 with BetMGM.
