The Cherries are inside the relegation zone of the Premier League with two wins coming from their 9 matches so far. The win against Stoke came on the back of a three match win-less run which saw a draw and two defeats.

Scoring goals on a consistent basis is the root cause of their problems. They team managed just 6 goals in the league so far and fired blanks in five of those.

Bournemouth reached the round of 16 of the league cup after beating Brighton with a solitary goal in extra time.

Home form is satisfactory as they are unbeaten in last three with 2 wins and a draw. Also, they kept clean sheets in the most recent two fixtures at the Vitality Stadium.

Middlesbrough’s journey in the League Cup started early and they defeated Scunthorpe 3-0 and Aston Villa 2-0 to reach this far.

Boro are on a poor run of form and are win-less in the last five, 2 draws and 3 defeats. The team that got relegated from English top flight is currently struggling in the Championship after managing just 4 wins from their 13 matches so far.

Their away form is on the contrary as they are unbeaten in the last five in all competitions with 2 wins and 3 draws.

Bournemouth vs Middlesbrough: Head-to-head

The teams won their respective home matches when they met in the Premier League last season – Bournemouth 4-0 and Boro 2-0.

The first three matches between them has been draws, while the latest three resulted in home wins.

The team playing away failed to score in their last five meetings.

Bournemouth won the last two home fixtures versus Middlesbrough keeping clean sheets.

Bournemouth vs Middlesbrough: Head-to-head

Both teams are struggling in the lower half of their respective leagues and therefore the managers will be forced to go with a heavily rotated squad.

With all six previous meetings between the sides being dominated by the home side, Bournemouth are expected to remain unbeaten here. But, it remained to be seen if they have got what it take to win it inside the regular 90 minutes.

Middlesbrough are not the same ultra defensive side that they used to be in the Premier League last season. But their main source for goals has been Britt Assombalonga, who is most likely to sit out here. Bournemouth are already struggling for goals and this could turn out to be a low scoring affair.

Bournemouth vs Middlesbrough: Prediction

Best Bet – Under 2.5 goals for 2.10 odds.

Value is in backing Under 0.5 goals in the first half for 3.30 odds.

You can also back 0-0 Half-Time Correct Score for the same odds.

The full-time draw is there to take for priceless 4.00 odds.

All Odds courtesy of 888Sport