Middlesbrough vs Doncaster Prediction & Betting Tips (12 August)

Middlesbrough welcome Doncaster Rovers to the Riverside Stadium on August 12 for the opening round of the EFL Cup, with both sides eager to make a statement early in the season. Under new head coach Rob Edwards, Boro are entering their 150th campaign with a refreshed squad and a clear ambition to push beyond last season’s mid-table finish. Their summer signings include Callum Brittain from Blackburn and Abdoulaye Kanté from Troyes, adding depth and dynamism to a side that showed flashes of promise during pre-season, including a 2–2 draw against Deportivo La Coruña. However, injuries to key players like Darragh Lenihan and Riley McGree could test their defensive resilience.

Doncaster, meanwhile, are riding the momentum of promotion back to League One and have been one of the more active sides in the transfer market. Manager Grant McCann has bolstered his squad with experienced additions such as Brandon Hanlan and Matty Pearson, while young loanees like Charlie Crew from Leeds add energy to the midfield. Their pre-season form has been electric, with emphatic wins over Gateshead (7–0) and Milton Keynes Dons (3–1), showcasing a fluid attacking style led by Luke Molyneux and Glenn Middleton. With confidence high and no major injury concerns, Doncaster will arrive in Middlesbrough with belief they can cause an upset.

Historically, Middlesbrough have dominated this fixture, winning seven of their last ten meetings against Doncaster. Their most recent clash in July ended in a 5–3 friendly win for Boro, with Delano Burgzorg and Anfernee Dijksteel among the standout performers. Yet, Doncaster’s recent form and tactical cohesion suggest they won’t be pushovers. Expect a tightly contested match where both teams find the net, but Middlesbrough’s superior squad depth and home advantage could tip the balance.

Our prediction leans toward a 2–1 victory for Middlesbrough. Doncaster’s attacking flair should earn them a goal, likely through Molyneux or Hanlan, but Boro’s midfield control and set-piece threat—especially from Finn Azaz and Jonny Howson—should be enough to secure progression. It won’t be a walk in the park, but it will be a step forward for Rob Edwards’ new era.