Middlesbrough and Burton Albion are the only two non-Premier League clubs remaining in the EFL Cup and they face each other at the quarter final stage. Both will fancy their chances of making it through to the next round, and they know that should they do that, only a two-legged semi final against Premier League opposition will remain before a place in the final at Wembley.

Middlesbrough come into this game as favourites and it is no surprise when you see that they are currently holding onto one of the Championship playoff spots. Burton Albion are a tier below them after being relegated from the Championship last season, and despite the drop they are struggling to get going, sitting in 15th position after the games at the weekend. Neither team is in great form right now, and both will be hoping that the distraction of this very important cup tie cna give them something else to think about, and spark them into life.

When both team’s began their seasons the expectations on both were promotion, although the betting odds suggested that Middlesbrough had a greater chance of promotion than Burton Albion did. We all know how tough it is to get out of the Championship, and alongside Middlesbrough another eight or ten teams had genuine promotion chances going into the new season. However, it has to be noted that League One is also heading that way. With teams like Sunderland, Barnsley, Doncaster, Portsmouth, Luton, Peterborough and Charlton fighting it out of the top, getting out of this league is certainly not an easy task.

If either team wanted a huge boost to their promotion chances, then the prospect of playing a Premier League giant at home in a two-legged EFL Cup final could certainly do that, not to mention what a potential Wembley final would do for team morale and confidence. When it comes to the cup competitions for those in the lower leagues, it is not only the success they have in the competition that makes things worthwhile for them, but also the affect it has on their league form. Middlesbrough especially are right in the mix for a promotion spot this season, whether that is automatic or through the playoffs and there is no doubt that this competition can help them achieve that goal.

What Value does an EFL Cup Win Bring?

One of the biggest talking points of this competition every single season is how seriously clubs take this. We have gone from what started off as the top teams resting their star players, to the top teams resting every single one of their first eleven. We see them playing teams full of youngsters in this competition, and really showing it little respect until we get into the very final stages of it.

That has filtered down to pretty much every club in the competition, which is disappointing to see. I don’t expect either Middlesbrough or Burton to field a weakended team at this stage, but had this game being played in the first round then there is no doubt that these two clubs would have made changes and rested individuals because the game was an EFL Cup game.

I can understand those who are fighting it out for other silverware to rest players throughout this tournament as this is their least important priority but what I fail to understand is why those at the bottom of the Premier League would follow suit and play weakened teams. For them, this trophy represents their best chance of success and their chance to take their own fans to Wembley and deliver a trophy for them. Ask fans of any lower Premier League club, teams like West Ham, Crystal Palace, Brighton and many more, and I am sure they would love to go to Wembley and win this competition.

The FA Cup is seen as the most important cup competition in England and rightfully so, but there is nothing stopping teams from aiming to win both. Those at the bottom can afford to give this competition their full squad, because they don’t have European football to think about, whereas those at the top of the Premier League do.

The trend to rest key players for games in this competition began with those at the very top of the Premier League who felt like they had to prioritise their games with so many on the schedule. That was probably the right move by them, and one that they shouldn’t be blamed for taking. However, it is those further down the table that have really harmed this competition by following suit. Those teams should be seeing this as their best chance of winning a trophy, and they should be throwing their very best players at this competition to try and win it. Instead we are seeing pretty much everyone show a lack of respect towards this competition by fielding weaker sides, even those in the lower league, and this is something that should really be stopping for the good of the game.

Middlesbrough vs Burton Betting Tips

One thing these two teams won’t do in this game is field a weakened team which is good. They both come here knowing that their next opponent in this competition will be a Premier League one in the semi final over two legs. Those two games could lead to a Wembley final, so it is fair to say that they have everything to play for. Alongside that there is also the fact that this will help their league form, and there should be a real feel good factor around which ever club makes it through to the semi final.

As far as the game on the night goes, Middlesbrough have to be strong favourites to take this one and make it through to the next round. They are playing fairly well in the Championship, without actually dominating things and climbing the table, but their playoff position is still being maintained. That makes them one of the best teams in this exceptionally tough division, and that puts them well ahead Burton in terms of quality.

Burton are struggling to get going in the tier below right now, and although they would love to cause a shock here, I don’t think that is going to happen. I am backing Middlesbrough -1 on the handicap line I think they will win this one comfortably and it is them who will be progressing to face a Premier League opponent in the next round of this competition, putting them just one step away from a Wembley final.

Receive exclusive betting tips and offers directly to your inbox. Receive exclusive betting tips and offers. SIGN UP