Middlesbrough Reflect Michael Carrick’s Silky Style as a Classy Midfielder

Michael Carrick enjoyed a wonderful career as a talented midfielder with England, Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham and the early signs are that he’ll be just as good as a manager. He took on his first full-time role as a gaffer in October last year, filling the vacancy at Middlesbrough who parted company with Chris Wilder after 17 points from their first 16 games of the Championship season left them one place and one point above the relegation zone.

Carrick, trusted with two stints as a caretaker boss at Manchester United after working as an assistant to Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, was an instant hit on Teesside. He guided Boro to 16 wins from his first 22 matches in charge and into the play-offs where they were beaten by Coventry.

Boro Could Have Easily Pressed Sheffield United for Second Automatic Ticket

Had it not been for the slow start, Boro could have easily pressed Sheffield United for the second automatic ticket to the Premier League behind runaway champions Burnley and they will be leaders of the pack with Carrick in charge from the get-go.

It’s a shame Cameron Archer has returned to Aston Villa after scoring ten times while on loan at the Riverside but Middlesbrough, who emulate Carrick’s fluid football which was so easy on the eye, can rely on Chuba Akpom to bang in the goals after leading the division with 28 last term.

Middlesbrough 10/1 with William Hill to Take Title

Middlesbrough are 10/1 with William Hill to take the title while Akpom is 11/1 with Betfred to score the most goals. Elsewhere, Leeds may require another season rebuilding under new manager Daniel Farke and Southampton, miles adrift as the bottom club in the top flight last term, will lose too many of their better players to factor.

Leicester Have Lost Three-Quarters of Their Midfield

Leicester have lost three-quarters of their midfield with Neil Maddison, Harvey Barnes and Youri Tielemans all heading out of the King Power exit along with centre-half Johnny Evans, who has returned to Manchester United. But Conor Coady fills the gap in the centre of defence and former England midfielder Harry Winks should be too good at this level, especially if he reproduces the form he showed at Tottenham when Mauricio Pochettino was manager.

The Foxes’ rearguard still looks shaky but they should do enough. Their midfield may need further investment but they are solid at 6/4 with Ladbrokes and Coral to be promoted.

Sheffield Wednesday 7/2 to Be Instantly Relegated

Sheffield Wednesday are 7/2 to be instantly relegated and while Millwall fans claim ‘no one likes us’, we love the Lions at 4/5 with Betfred to finish in the top half.

Alexandra Popp 4/1 with Sky Bet to Open Scoring in Final Group Match

• Alexandra Popp was a bit flat as Germany lost 2-1 to Colombia but she’s 4/1 with Sky Bet to open the scoring in the final group match against South Korea at the Women’s World Cup. 

Glorious Goodwood Bets for Day Three

• Glorious Goodwood bets for day three: 1.50 Alkasib; 2.25 Unquestionable; 3.00 Espionage; 3.35 Blue Rose Cen.

Conclusion

Michael Carrick has made an impressive start to his managerial career at Middlesbrough and they look set to challenge for promotion this season. Leicester have lost some key players but should still do enough to gain promotion while Sheffield Wednesday are 7/2 to be instantly relegated. Millwall are 4/5 with Betfred to finish in the top half and Alexandra Popp is 4/1 with Sky Bet to open the scoring in Germany’s final group match at the Women’s World Cup.