Saturday’s 6/1 Bet Builder – Paddy Power News - European Football

Paddy’s tipster sees a goal-packed battle at the Riverside on Saturday!

Saturday lunchtime delivers the next instalment of EFL Championship play-off action as Middlesbrough and Southampton look to keep their Premier League promotion dream on track.

Only goal difference split the sides in the final rankings, as Southampton claimed third spot, and Boro landed in fourth. However, the sole focus is now the nervy tension of the play-offs with either Hull City or Millwall in store for the winners in the final on May 23rd.

Ahead of this tie, PP tipster Feargal Brennan delivers a super Bet Builder, with three of his picks being covered by Paddy’s Super Sub offer, meaning if a player is hooked off, the bet carries on to his replacement. So let’s get his Middlesbrough v Southampton tips…

Middlesbrough v Southampton Bet Builder Tips

Both teams to score: Yes
Morgan Whittaker to score
Tommy Conway 1+ shots on target
Finn Azaz 2+ shots

A Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 6/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.

WHEN: Saturday, May 9th, 12:30pm
WHERE: Riverside Stadium, Middlesbrough
TV: Sky Sports Main Event/Sky Sports Football

Both teams to score: Yes

The two sides were exact in terms of form in the final weeks of the regular season with two wins and two draws each from their last four played. The reverse fixtures saw a 1-1 draw on the south coast and a ruthless 4-0 home win for Boro back in January.

The hosts have the edge in the market, but goals could be the way to go, with Southampton the second-highest scoring team in the division (82) behind champions Coventry City (97). Boro were fourth on that list with 72, but the pair also concede plenty.

Boro only kept one clean sheet in their last seven Championship games and Southampton matched that exactly – so let’s go for both teams to score on Saturday.

Morgan Whittaker to score

If the goals do start to fly at the Riverside Stadium, Boro’s top scorer Morgan Whittaker looks a solid shout to add to his 14 Championship goals so far in 2025/26. He’s really stepped up in the final matches of the season and heads into the play-offs with three goals in his last three starts.

He bagged twice the last time the teams met at the start of 2026 and his goals will be vital in deciding if Boro can make it back to the Prem for the first time since 2017.

Tommy Conway 1+ shots on target

Coming in just behind Whittaker as Boro’s main goal threat is Tommy Conway with 13 league goals this season. He also has three goals in his last three games – so the Scotland international could be an option to grab a goal – but, I’m going for a little caution and backing him for a shot on target.

This bet has landed in three of his last four outings for Boro and he’ll be keen to make his mark in their final home game of the campaign.

Finn Azaz 2+ shots

For Southampton, Finn Azaz has caught the eye with 10 Championship goals this season, plus one at Boro before he left them for the Saints in September. Up against his old employers, he’ll be keen to impress, and the Ireland international is full of confidence after crashing home a wonder goal in the FA Cup semi-final loss to Manchester City.

Based on his last four league starts, he averages 3.5 shots taken per game, so I can see him firing off at least two here.

Middlesbrough v Southampton Tips

Both teams to score: Yes
Morgan Whittaker to score
Tommy Conway 1+ shots on target
Finn Azaz 2+ shots

A Bet Builder with these selections pays approximately 6/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK OR TAP HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.