posted February 27, 2008 at 14:01 EST in Soccer Betting Trends

The Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough FC – After a goalless draw at Bramall Lane club on February 17, 2008 – a match that the Blades should have won – Sheffield United travels to Middlesbrough for their FA Cup replay, where they will most likely face a better equipped Boro side.

Soccer Betting Money Line: Middlesbrough FC vs. Sheffield United

Middlesbrough FC (-175)

Sheffield United (+425)

Draw (+250)

Match Time: Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 3:30 PM Eastern Time

Fifth Round Proper Replay

Analysis: Middlesbrough (-175) enters this match on the heels of a 3:2 away loss to Liverpool on Saturday, February 23, 2008. After taking the early lead in Anfield, Middlesbrough’s excellent start quickly slipped through their fingers when they failed to stop Torres, who with a hat-trick, sent Boro home without the valuable England Premiership League point. Nevertheless, Boro is improving in the Premiership and are now up to twelfth.

Boro is on to losing only one of their last six matches and winning the last two played at home. Turning to their FA Cup contest, Middlesbrough, who have gone undefeated in their last three matches at home, are the favourites at -175 with BetUS on the money line.

With Sheffield United (+425) held off to a goalless draw on their home turf at Bramall Lane Club, in the second leg of their contest Boro has a good chance of advancing into the final eight with a win in Riverside. Further recommending Boro on the money line is the fact that Sheffield United has not enjoyed much success at Riverside. Last season in the Premiership, Boro defeated Sheffield United 3:1 in Riverside Stadium. The Blades are inconsistent away from home and finally, they have not won a match at Middlesbrough since the 1997/98 season (d. Boro 2:1).

Team Spread Moneyline Total Points Team Total Points

Middlesbrough FC -1 +110 -175 Over 2½ +120

Sheffield United +1 -140 +425 Under 2½ -150

Draw +250

Verdict: Boro are the favourites for the win owing to their confident play and wagering on them at -175 on the money line would be a smart play. Since eliminating Manchester City in FA Cup, Sheffield United has posted a six-draw sequence. Owing to their tough play and a solid backline of defenders, there is a slim chance Sheffield United will grind out another draw at fulltime tomorrow. Wagering on the draw at +250 on the moneyline does hold value. For bettors looking for a big payout, Sheffield’s price tag at +425 is hugely tempting, having eliminated Bolton and Manchester City, long shot bettors may feel Middlesbrough will succumb as well. For spread bettors who prefer to skip the outcome, the last four contests in Riverside Stadium averaged two goals per game, indicating the Under 2.5 would be the better play.

As for my Soccer Free Pick: Chaffing from their recent loss in Liverpool and barely averting the nigh-upset in Bramall 10 days ago with a goalless draw, I pick Southgate’s side Middlesbrough to shape up and to win outright. Take Middlesbrough at -175.

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room

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