Middlesbrough vs. Norwich: Time, Channel, Odds & Prediction

(Getty)

(Getty)

There will be a whole lot at stake on Monday at Wembley Stadium. Billed as the $200 million match, Championship rivals Middlesbrough and Norwich will play for the right to reach the English Premier League and subsequent financial windfall that comes with that accomplishment.

In the English league’s second tier, the top two teams — AFC Bournemouth and Watford this year — are automatically promoted to the Premier League, while the third-through-sixth place teams play off for the third spot. Norwich (third) and Middlesbrough (fourth) each won their two-legged semifinals, defeating Ipswich and Brentford respetically to make it Wembley.

Both teams have been in the Premier League in recent seasons, as Middlesbrough was relegated in 2009 while Norwich went down last season.

This match will feature a contrast in styles as Middlesbrough prefers a defensive approach led by standouts George Friend and Ben Gibson. Boro had the best defense in the Championship by eight goals and will be a tough one to break down.

On the other hand, Norwich has a tremendous amount of firepower that has scored 88 goals this season (second in the league). Strikers Cameron Jerome, Nathan Redmond and Gary Hooper have each played a role in the attack, while the Canaries have also received full support going forward in midfield from Bradley Johnson and Johnathan Howson.

The teams played twice this year, with Middlesbrough winning both matches.

Here’s what you need to know about the match:

The Basics

Who:

Middlesbrough vs. Norwich

What:

English Championship Playoff final

When:

Monday, May 25

Where:

Wembley Stadium in London, England

Time:

10:00 a.m. Eastern Time; 15:00 local time

Channel:

beIN Sports (US); For those looking for the channel in your home country, click here

Odds:

Middlesbrough +185, Norwich +150, Draw +225

Heavy’s Pick

This is as close as you can get. Both teams are so even — they played 46 league matches and were separated by a single point — it will likely come down to the bounce of the ball or a stroke of fortune. Don’t be surprised if the match goes to penalties. Can Middlesbrough beat Norwich for a third time this season? It’s a very difficult ask. Norwich 2-1


Stats You Need to Know

(Getty)

(Getty)

Scouting Middlesbrough

Record: 25-11-10 4th (85 points)
Coach: Aitor Karanka, 2nd season
Goals Per Game: 1.47
Clean Sheets: 20
Leading Goal Scorer: Patrick Bamford, 17
Assist Leader: Lee Tomlin, 11
Card Leader: Albert Adomah, 9 yellow cards, 1 red card


Scouting Norwich

Record: 25-10-11 3rd (86 points)
Coach: Alex Neil, 1st season
Goals Per Game: 1.91
Clean Sheets: 14
Leading Goal Scorer: Cameron Jerome, 19
Assist Leader: Nathan Redmond, 13
Card Leader: Bradley Johnson, 14 yellow cards, 1 red card

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