This is a Premier League 2 meeting between two sides with similar recent returns, and CheckLive's model does not identify a favourite, which reflects how evenly matched they look. With no clear edge, the draw has to be considered a real possibility alongside either team taking the points.
Middlesbrough's last five include wins over Solihull Moors and Hartlepool United, but also defeats to Darlington and Chelsea U21. Norwich have beaten Hornchurch and Nottingham Forest U21 in that same stretch, while losing to Boreham Wood and Huddersfield Town U21 and drawing with Hornchurch.
The head-to-head is tight: in eight meetings, Middlesbrough have won three, Norwich have won three, and two have been drawn — including a 2-2 draw in their most recent encounter last November. With so little separating the sides, the key will be which team can stay organised and take their chances when they come.
