'Banana skin' – Middlesbrough vs Plymouth Argyle prediction: The72

https://cdn.the72.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2024-12-10T212649Z_542569860_UP1EKCA1NKOXH_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-MID.jpg

Plymouth Argyle head to play-off chasing Middlesbrough on Good Friday hoping to pull off another shock in their fight for survival.

Plymouth Argyle have had a very poor campaign but are still in with a chance of survival. After two wins in their last three, PAFC are three points adrift of 21st-placed Cardiff City.

The Pilgrims’ recent home form has kept them in the fight at the bottom. The win over Sheffield United last weekend was a real standout and showed the fight in the Argyle squad.

However, their away form has been shocking this season. Plymouth Argyle have won just one game away from home all season, something they need to change to stay up.

Image courtesy of: ANDREW BOYERS/REUTERS.

Their opponents, Middlesbrough, have seen their play-off hopes take a beating over the last week. Michael Carrick’s side have lost their last two games, both of which saw them fail to score.

Last weekend’s defeat to Millwall in particular was a huge blow. The Lions moved level on points with Boro as a result.

Middlesbrough are just three points off the top six going into their final four games though. A win against Argyle could be crucial with the two sides above them facing off on Friday too.

Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…

Charlie Hodgson

“A huge game at both ends of the table here. Plymouth Argyle can take plenty of confidence from the win last weekend but will be wary of their away form.

Middlesbrough though tend to struggle with games like these. They have dropped points plenty of times at home but cannot afford to do so against PAFC.

Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.

“Even with that though, I do think Boro will beat Argyle. I cannot get past that shocking away form and Middlesbrough should have the quality to beat Plymouth comfortably.

Prediction: Middlesbrough 2-0 Plymouth Argyle

1 of 20

Who plays at Elland Road?

James Ray

“This is a massive game for both. It’s a potential banana skin for Middlesbrough, who have slipped up in winnable games plenty of times this season.

“However, Plymouth Argyle have a frankly dismal away record. They’re still fighting for their lives and have something to build on after defeating Sheffield United, but translating that home fight and spirit on the road has been something they’ve been unable to do all season.

“Ultimately, that has me leaning towards a home win. It could be vital for Boro and hugely damaging for PAFC.”

Prediction: Middlesbrough 2-1 Plymouth Argyle

The post ‘Banana skin’ – Middlesbrough vs Plymouth Argyle prediction: The72 appeared first on The72 - Football League News.

img

Top 5 Championship

×