About Match
The table reads 12th (Middlesbrough U18, 2 pts) against 1st (Newcastle Utd U18, 12 pts), 10 points apart. The last five rounds place Middlesbrough U18 no better than 26th for form, against 12th in the standings. In league terms the two rates read 1.25/3 for Middlesbrough U18 and 4/1.25 for Newcastle Utd U18 (scored/conceded per game); the competition average is 2.5.
Middlesbrough U18 have not won in 5 games. Momentum sits with Newcastle Utd U18, winners of their last eight, having scored in 15 consecutive games. Over the last five, Middlesbrough U18 have taken 2 of 15 points to Newcastle Utd U18's 15.
The head-to-head ledger counts 9 games: 3 Middlesbrough U18 wins, 4 for Newcastle Utd U18, 2 draws, at 3.78 goals per meeting. Home advantage has meant little here: 22% of the meetings went to the host. 78% of the meetings finished with three goals or more, and both sides scored in 67%. Where history says 3.78 goals per meeting, the last five say 4.8.