Our EFL expert, Matthew O'Regan, has provided us with his juicy 16/1 bet builder shout for West Brom vs Middlesbrough.
West Brom vs Middlesbrough
Friday nights Championship action sees relegation threatened West Brom host promotion chasing Middlesbrough at the Hawthorns.
In appointing Ryan Mason, West Brom took a massive risk as the former Tottenham midfielder had no previous managerial experience. A 2-1 defeat to Leicester was The Baggies tenth away loss on the bounce and left them seven points clear of the relegation zone and ten adrift of the playoffs, leaving his position untenable.
Minnesota head coach Eric Ramsay has been appointed as his replacement, with the Englishman now managing in the home nations for the first time. The 34-year-old comes with outstanding pedigree, both as a coach in England and manager in the States, so he will be keen to start his tenure with a positive result.
Middlesbrough are also on their second head coach of the season, with Rob Edwards returning to Wolves after a few months on Teeside, despite Boro being in a strong position to mount a promotion challenge.
Kim Hellberg was appointed as his replacement, with the Swede continuing the work done by Edwards. His side are currently second after a 4-0 thumping over Southampton, so the 37-year-old will be delighted with his sides start. Boro ran out 2-1 winners in the reverse fixture, making it four wins on the bounce against their Black Country opposition.
Leg 1: Aune Heggebo - Over 1.5 Fouls
Signed in the summer from Eliteserien side SK Brann, Aune Heggebo has been a mainstay in the West Brom side, starting 22 games. The bustling Norwegian is a hard worker alongside his goal contributions, so Ramsay will look to build the side around him. The 24-year-old is averaging 1.97 fouls committed per 90 and has made at least two fouls in 10 of his last 13 starts.
Leg 2: Aidan Morris - Over 1.5 Fouls
Aidan Morris was signed last summer from MLS side Columbus Crew and has cemented himself in the Middlesbrough midfield since. The American midfielder has become a fan favourite for his work rate, aggression and endeavour – something that often seeing him over step the mark. Morris is averaging 1.49 fouls per 90 and will face up against a West Brom midfield containing Alex Mowatt (2.30 fouls won per home game) and Ousman Diakite (1.43).
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Leg 3: Morgan Whittaker - Over 2.5 Shots
Morgan Whittaker struggled for form after his £7.5 million January move from Plymouth, but scored his first goal in a Boro shirt in October – sparking a fantastic run of form. The 25-year-old has since scored ten more goals, putting him second in the goalscoring charts. Whittaker’s high shot volume sees him get in good goalscoring opportunities. He is averaging 3.42 shots per 90 and has had 3+ shots in 12 of his last 17.
Leg 4: Isaac Price - Over 2.5 shots
Isaac Price was a regular under Ryan Mason and is expected to retain his place under Ramsay. The Northern Irishmen has seven goal contributions in 23 league starts, excelling out on the right. With 2.8 shots per 90, Price will be key if the Baggies are to arrest their slump.
The bet builder pays a best price of 16/1 on bet365 when writing, and as short as 10/1 elsewhere. That's a difference in potential winnings of £60 from a £10 stake.
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