Championship football returns this weekend following the FA Cup third round, with West Brom, managed by Eric Ramsay for the first time, hosting promotion-chasing Middlesbrough at the Hawthorns on Friday night.West Brom v Middlesbrough best betsWest Brom to win and both teams to score at 4/1 with Sky BetMikey Johnston to assist at 7/2 with ToteWest Brom to win, both teams to score, Johnston to assist at 13/1 with ToteWest Brom v Middlesbrough latest oddsFind the latest West Brom v Middlesbrough betting odds here, odds courtesy of Sky Bet and are subject to change.West Brom – 29/20Draw – 9/4Middlesbrough – 9/5West Brom v Middlesbrough predictionWest Brom head into Friday night’s clash with the automatic-promotion chasing Middlesbrough side as marginal favourites for victory despite being in a torrid run of form in the league which has seen them lose four of their last five matches.Last week’s 2-1 loss at Leicester spelt the end of Ryan Mason’s time in charge of the Baggies, with James Morrison overseeing their FA Cup shootout win at Swansea on Sunday afternoon prior to the announcement of Ramsay as their new boss.The 33-year-old becomes the second youngest manager in the Championship behind Southampton’s Tonda Eckert, joining from Minnesota United having previously spent time in the backroom staff at Chelsea, Manchester United and his native Wales.Despite having fallen to 18th in the Championship table, the West Midlands side still boast an impressive home record this season, losing just two of their 12 league games at the Hawthorns, and winning three of their last four.Middlesbrough make the trip to the West Midlands having won just one of their last six matches, a run which has seen them lose ground on league leaders Coventry, but did manage to climb back into the automatic promotion places with a 4-0 win over Southampton in their last league outing.Kim Hellberg’s side have since fallen to a 3-1 defeat at Fulham in the FA Cup though, leaving Boro with three defeats from their last four games, just two points above third placed Ipswich in the second tier table having played a game more than the Tractor Boys.The Teesside club head to the Hawthorns having lost each of their last three matches away from home though, so will need to overturn their recent bad form in order to keep hold of second place beyond this weekend.Middlesbrough have won each of their last four matches against West Brom, though the Baggies will be hopeful a new manager bounce, combined with Boro’s rough run of form, can see them extend their good home form, perhaps with a 2-1 home win.West Brom v Middlesbrough betting tipsNew manager bounce for BaggiesDespite West Brom’s struggles in recent weeks, their home form has stayed fairly consistent, losing only one of their last nine matches at the Hawthorns, including three wins in their last four.The Baggies will be hopeful of being on the right end of the new manager bounce as Eric Ramsay takes charge of his first game in charge of his new club against a Middlesbrough side with just one win in six and defeats in each of their last three away games despite their lofty league position.West Brom to win and both teams to score at 4/1 with Sky BetMagic Mikey continues to assistMikey Johnston has recorded more assists than any other player in the Championship this season, having racked up his eighth and ninth of the campaign in his most recent two home games.Mikey Johnston to assist at 7/2 with ToteWest Brom v Middlesbrough predicted lineupsWest Brom (4-2-3-1): Griffiths (GK); Campbell, Mepham, Phillips, Styles; Diakite, Molumby; Price, Johnston, Grant; HeggeboMiddlesbrough (4-2-3-1): Brynn (GK); Browne, Ayling, Malanda, Targett; Hackney, Morris; Silvera, Whittaker, Burgzorg; ConwayHow to watch West Brom v MiddlesbroughLocation: The Hawthorns, West BromwichDate and time: Friday 16th January 2026, 8pmHow to watch: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Ultra HDRMore Championship predictionsFind more predictions and betting tips from our expert punters in our match previews on the Premier League, Championship, League One and more!More Championship free betsCommercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 18+. T&Cs apply. GambleAware.orgRemember to gamble responsiblyA responsible gambler is someone who:Establishes time and monetary limits before playingOnly gambles with money they can afford to loseNever chase their lossesDoesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressedGamcare – www.gamcare.org.ukGambleAware – www.gambleaware.orgFind our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.Free Bet OffersSee all the best free bets and betting offers available in the UK over at our dedicated pageSee all free bets18+ gambleaware.org. T&Cs apply