Middlesbrough vs Southampton prediction 09.05.2026 | Championship

After nine seasons in the Championship, Middlesbrough have the opportunity to return to the English top flight. They ended fifth in the standings and are now two steps away from their goal. Middlesbrough are in solid form, as they are unbeaten in the last four matches and have something to build their optimism on. In the final game of the regular season, Kim Hellberg's team played 2-2 on the road against Wrexham. Both teams had more than enough chances to secure victory, but in the end, splitting points seemed the fairest outcome.

Middlesbrough's manager, Kim Hellberg, is excited ahead of the first leg against Southampton. He said, "It will be two very good games of football, I'm really looking forward to it. It's between two attack-minded teams and two teams that want to press and play. It will be two great games of football."

Alfie Jones and Darragh Lenihan are injured and will not play on Saturday afternoon. Also, Hayden Hackney is questionable.

Last season, Southampton were terrible in the Premier League, but now have a chance to bounce back and return to the strongest English competition. The Saints ended one position above Middlesbrough, but with the same number of points as their next opponent. Southampton were in terrific form in the previous months, losing only once in their last 23 matches. In the most recent outing, Southampton won 3-1 on the road against Preston. The guests didn't dominate, but their excellent efficiency was enough for all three points that time.

Southampton's boss, Tonda Eckert, is optimistic about the upcoming game in Middlesbrough. He said, "If they catch a good day and they start to flow, I think they are a good team in certain aspects of the game. (But) we come from some good weeks and months. In the end, it is about getting our strengths on the pitch like we have been doing for many, many weeks now."

Southampton will be without Alex McCarthy, Mads Roerslev Rasmussen, and Jack Stephens on Saturday afternoon, while Kuryu Matsuki is questionable and his status will be clearer closer to the kickoff.