Middlesbrough vs Southampton Championship Playoffs Odds & Betting Tips
The second Championship semi final of the weekend has its first leg today, with Southampton making a long trip up to face Middlesbrough in the North East.
Both sides bring plenty of quality into the game, as you'd expect from teams trying to get into the Premier League, and Southampton in particular, have been in really good form to close the season.
I've got three football tips for the game, finding value across a few different markets. You'll also see the odds from some of the best UK betting sites to back them with.
Middlesbrough vs Southampton Tips
I think this game will be very close, there's not too much between the teams, but from a value perspective, I do think one of them stands out as potential winners.
Elsewhere, if recent games are anything to go by for these two, then despite having plenty of nerves around it, I think we'll see some goals here.
Tip 1: Southampton to Win @ 9/4
I'm opening up my tips with a bet on Southampton to win the game. I think they're over priced here, they are the better team out of these two (only just) and also come into the game in better form.
I think their draw with Ipswich, which took them out of the automatic race with a game to go, was a blessing in disguise in terms of their playoff hopes.
The team has had chance to understand they're not getting second, and switch their focus to the playoffs, with a final league game to help them with that.
Overall, the second half of the season has been excellent for Southampton. You have to go back to mid January to find the last time they lost a league game. Don't forget that big cup run too, beating Arsenal as part of it, that's them showing they can deliver on the biggest of stages.
Eight wins from their last 10, they've won their last four away games and seven of their last eight away.
Middlesbrough can thank their early season form for being in the playoffs. Recently, it's not been anywhere near as good. They've won just twice in their last 10 games, both at home and against lowly Sheffield Wednesday and struggling Watford.
Tip 2: Over 3.5 Goals @ 11/4
For my next tip, forget who wins, I'm solely focusing on goals here. Both can score plenty, both can also concede.
Middlesbrough have seen four and six goals in their last two games to end the season, four of their last six games have seen four or more goals, which would make this bet a winner.
Looking at Southampton, their last three games have all seen four goals scored in them, which would again be enough to make this bet land.
To further that, we've seen three or more goals in the last seven Southampton league games in a row, this is a team involved in high scoring games.
Finally, Southampton ended the season in second place on the table for total goals per game on average, with exactly three, second only to Coventry who averaged 3.09.
Tip 3: Southampton to Win 3-0, 3-1 or 3-2 & Both Teams to Score in the First Half
Not the usual type of Bet Builder, I'm going for something a bit different here, based on what I've said above about the expected goals in this game, and the fact that I think Southampton will win.
These two together mean that the 3-0 outcome is impossible, so for the group of correct scores, I'm focusing on 3-1 or 3-2 to Southampton.
This is combined with both teams scoring in the first half. I think we'll get a fast start here, two sides on the front foot, two that can score, and also concede goals.
Put them together, and for a fun interest at 28/1, I think there's a bit of value in it.
Where to Watch Middlesbrough vs Southampton
Alongside bringing some fantastic tips and great free bets that can be used on this game, here's a look at the key details before kick off.
TV Channel
Middlesbrough vs Southampton continues the playoff coverage on Sky, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
Live Stream Information
UK viewers with a valid Sky Sports subscription can stream the match live via Sky Go on mobile, tablet or laptop. NOW TV customers can grab a Sports Day or Month Membership to catch the game without a full Sky contract.
Middlesbrough vs Southampton Information
| Competition | Championship Playoffs |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday 9 May 2026 |
| Kick-off | 12:300pm |
| Venue | Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough |
| TV Channel (UK) | Sky Sports Football / Sky Sports Main Event |
| Live Stream | Sky Go, NOW TV |
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