Middlesbrough v Doncaster: Stalemate in store at the Riverside

Caretaker coach Mark Venus will air his credentials to land the Middlesbrough job on a permanent basis when his temporary charges take on Doncaster Rovers at the Riverside.

Despite winning just two games all season, against very poor opposition at that, the Boro come into the game at an inexplicably short 8/11 for victory, with Donny weighing in at a meaty 4/1.

Both clubs reside in the lower reaches of the Championship on the same points tallies, though the visitors have played a game fewer. Their away record isn’t dreadful – they’ve lost just two of five – and, against a team who’s only home success came against lowly Yeovil, Paul Dickov’s men can’t be discounted at a mammoth price.

The south Yorkshire side have not so much as mustered a goal on Teesside since the second tier’s rebranding, but don’t let that dupe you into a punt on a Boro clean sheet at 11/8; the rudderless north easterners have kept just one opponent at bay in 16.

Both teams to score, based on Boro’s record at home this term, looks a staple though with themselves and every visitor – including Accrington Stanley – scoring at least once in every tussle. Only one host has kept Donny off the score sheet this term so don’t be scared to tackle the very generous 4/5 for both to bag here.

If you feel like fattening your wallet ahead of the weekend proper then the 10/3 on offer for a score draw here is the route to take.

Boro racked up four straight stalemates prior to spanking Yeovil last time out, while Rovers began the campaign with successive draws on the road. The pair finished all tied up in the reciprocating fixture last season and, with goals forecast for both, this punt has excellent potential for profit.

For the conservative among us, the stand alone draw remains attractively priced at 5/2.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date

Fancy a flutter? Click here to sign up for a Ladbrokes account today and, when you bet £10, we’ll give you three free £10 bets