MIDDLESBROUGH suffered an almighty reality check in the Championship losing 1-0 to Bristol City at the Riverside on Saturday and were subsequently deposed at the top of the betting for the both the title and promotion.

The visitors, newly-promoted after last year’s League One title success, led earlier and saw the job out well with BetVictor responding by easing Aitor Karanka’s side to 3/1 (from 5/2) to be crowned champions and 11/10 (from 10/11) to be playing top-flight football next term.

To say the visitors were a tad fortunate to leave with all three points would be something of an understatement however with Boro enjoying 69 per cent possession and 19 shots on goal during a pulsating encounter in the North-East.

The manager did concede that the changes he made hadn’t worked and both fans and punters should expect a similarly much-changed side for the midweek trip to the Pirelli Stadium when facing Burton in the Capital One Cup; Boro the 21/20 favourites with BetVictor, the hosts’ 13/5 and the draw likewise.

Selected Capital One Cup Outright prices from BetVictor

  • Newcastle 33/1
  • Sunderland 50/1
  • Middlesbrough 100/1
  • Hartlepool 5000/1

Both Premier League clubs entertain lower league opposition on home soil with Newcastle hosting Northampton at St James’ Park and Sunderland welcoming Exeter to the Stadium of Light.

BetVictor expect both sides to prevail with the minimum of fuss and make the pair 2/5 and ½ to win Tuesday’s respective Capital One Cup ties and a perhaps further tempting 31/20 and 13/10 win those clashes without conceding at the other end. Pools are 11/2 underdogs when welcoming Eddie Howe’s Bournemouth side to Victoria Park midweek; the Cherries 4/7 favourites and the draw 3/1.

Newcastle welcome Arsenal in next weekend’s early kick-off and are 11/2 to seal a first PL success of the campaign when the BT Sport cameras head into town; the Gunners 4/7 favourites and the draw 16/5. Sunderland are likewise still chasing a first league success and are the 4/1 underdogs when travelling to Tim Sherwood’s rejuvenated Aston Villa side; the hosts the even money favourites with BetVictor and the draw 5/2.

For all the latest odds, specials, enhancements and much more head to BetVictor.com