Middlesbrough 4-3 Norwich: result and AI prediction

AI match recap

Middlesbrough return to league action with their strongest players expected back after a heavily rotated cup outing. Their Riverside form and a long unbeaten sequence against Norwich give them a tangible platform, especially with Lankshear in sharp scoring form. Norwich arrive encouraged by recent league wins and the return of rested attacking players, so they have the pace and movement to make this open. The visitors' depleted depth, particularly through central areas, makes game management after the interval a major concern.

Head-to-head analysis

Middlesbrough are unbeaten in the last nine meetings, winning six, and they completed a league double over Norwich last season. Norwich's last Riverside win in this fixture came in 2020.

Injuries and absences

Sarmiento's expected absence deprives Middlesbrough of a direct wide dribbler, though their core side is otherwise close to full strength. Norwich are more affected: Topic, Ahmed and Mahovo reduce options in central and advanced roles, placing greater strain on the returning starters.

Form (last 5)

Middlesbrough vs Norwich stats

Last meetings

• 2026-01-31Middlesbrough 1-0 Norwich
• 2025-08-23Norwich 1-2 Middlesbrough
• 2025-04-26Middlesbrough 0-0 Norwich
• 2024-10-27Norwich 3-3 Middlesbrough
• 2024-03-06Middlesbrough 3-1 Norwich
• 2023-10-24Norwich 1-2 Middlesbrough

Unavailable players

Other Championship matches

• Derby – West Brom
• Norwich – Birmingham
• Charlton – QPR
• West Ham – Wrexham
• Bolton – Cardiff
• Derby – Birmingham
• West Brom – QPR
• Blackburn – Millwall