Middlesbrough v Swansea: Match Preview, Odds, Lineups, Prediction

Explore Coral's detailed preview for Middlesbrough vs Swansea in the Championship on match day one. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 15:00 BST match.

• Fixture: Middlesbrough vs Swansea

• Date: Saturday, 09 August 2025

• Kick-off: 15:00 BST

• Venue: Riverside Stadium

Middlesbrough's form in pre-season has not been great, and has not been the best preparation for the new campaign. However, home advantage may well prove to be a significant factor in what could be a close game. 

They will need to harness their attacking flair while tightening up defensively to overcome Swansea. The key for Boro will be to exploit any gaps in Swansea's defence early on and maintain a high tempo throughout the match.

Like the hosts, the Welsh side’s pre-season campaign has not exactly pulled up any trees. Their form at both ends of the pitch has been somewhat erratic, and they will need to find a way to break down Middlesbrough's defence if they are to come away with a positive result. This match could hinge on which team can better capitalise on their opponent's weaknesses.

Match Prediction: Middlesbrough 2-1 Swansea

The north east team failed to win any of their first four pre-season games, picking up two draws and suffering two defeats. The losses against Bradford City and Santa Clara were particularly concerning. 

However, they were strong towards the end of last season on home soil, so if they can harness the home crowd’s energy, they stand a good chance of securing a victory. Any lapses in concentration could be costly against visitors, though. 

Recent Championship Results:

• (L) 0-2 at Coventry City (03 May 2025)

• (D) 0-0 at home against Norwich City (26 Apr 2025)

• (L) 1-2 at Sheffield Wednesday (21 Apr 2025)

• (W) 2-1 at home against Plymouth (18 Apr 2025)

• (L) 0-1 at Millwall (12 Apr 2025)

The visitors failed to win either of their first two pre-season games, suffering defeats against both Exeter City and Cheltenham. The results mean that the Swans have been unable to win in four games across all competitions since the end of last season. 

Swansea will look to frustrate their opponents and capitalise on any mistakes. The Welsh side will hope to be more clinical in front of goal than in recent games in order to secure a positive result.

Recent Championship Results:

• (D) 3-3 at Oxford United (29 Apr 2025)

• (L) 0-1 at home against Millwall (26 Apr 2025)

• (D) 0-0 at Sheffield Wednesday (21 Apr 2025)

• (L) 0-1 at home against Watford (12 Apr 2025)

• (L) 0-1 at Burnley (05 Apr 2025)

Historically, Middlesbrough have had the upper hand in recent encounters with Swansea, winning four of the last five matches between the two sides. However, Swansea have managed to secure a victory in their most recent meeting, suggesting that they are capable of challenging Middlesbrough's dominance.

Recent Championship Results

• Swansea 1-0 Middlesbrough (08 Mar 2025)

• Middlesbrough 1-0 Swansea (10 Aug 2024)

• Middlesbrough 2-0 Swansea (06 Apr 2024)

• Swansea 1-2 Middlesbrough (16 Dec 2023)

• Swansea 1-3 Middlesbrough (11 Mar 2023)

• Darragh Lenihan (Ankle injury) - Doubtful

• Aidan Morris (Knee injury) - Doubtful

• Riley McGree (Unknown injury) - Doubtful

• No reported injuries.

• 4-2-3-1: Brynn; Borges, Van den Berg, Fry, Ayling; Hackney, Kante; Burgzorg, Azaz, Whittaker; Conway

Middlesbrough's predicted line-up suggests a focus on maintaining a balance between attack and defence. Their recent form indicates a need for more consistency, which could be addressed by ensuring the midfield provides both creativity and solidity.

• 4-3-3: Vigouroux; Key, Burgess, Cabango, Tymon; Galbraith, Franco, Widell; Congreve, Pereira Martins (Ronald), Cullen

Swansea's predicted line-up suggests a strategy of defensive resilience, with an emphasis on capitalising on counter-attacking opportunities. Their recent form suggests they will need to be more effective in the final third to secure a positive result against Middlesbrough.

• Hayden Hackney (Middlesbrough) vs Goncalo Franco (Swansea): This duel in midfield could dictate the tempo of the game.

• Ben Cabango (Swansea) vs Dael Fry (Middlesbrough): The battle between these two defenders will be crucial in determining which team can exploit the other's weaknesses.

• Tommy Conway (Middlesbrough): Conway's goal-scoring prowess could be the difference-maker for Middlesbrough.

• Ronald (Swansea): Ronald’s ability to create and score goals will be vital for Swansea's chances of securing a positive result.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.