Burnley vs Middlesbrough Prediction, Odds and Confirmed Lineups: Finn Azaz backed in tonight's huge Championship clash

Championship promotion contenders Burnley and Middlesbrough face off under the lights at Turf Moor, with the action kicking off live on Sky Sports Main Event at 8pm tonight.

Burnley, currently sitting 2nd, have the chance to reclaim the top spot with a win, while a red-hot Middlesbrough side aim to close the gap to just three points in this eagerly anticipated top-6 showdown.

Read on for our best bets and the confirmed lineups.

The Championship's meanest defence will face a major challenge at home to one of the league's most potent attacks this Friday night. Middlesbrough, the second-highest scorers in the Championship with 32 goals in 18 games, have been in superb form lately, netting 18 goals in their last five matches, which resulted in four wins.

Boro have three players in the top 10 of the league’s scoring charts: Tommy Conway (8), Emmanuel Latte Lath (7), and Finn Azaz (8). Azaz, in particular, is in fantastic form, having scored five goals in his last three games and six in his last six. He netted braces in the 5-1 and 6-2 demolitions of Luton and Oxford, and also scored the opening goal in the 3-1 win over Hull in his most recent outing.

He'll have a tough task ahead of him, though, facing Burnley’s resilient defence, which has conceded just six goals in 18 games this season. While Azaz is priced at an appealing 5/1 to continue his scoring streak on Friday, considering Burnley’s remarkable defensive record - having kept 10 clean sheets in 12 games - I’m opting for the more cautious opening bet to have a shot on target at 17/20. This bet has been successful in 12 games this season, including the last four matches; only Borja Sainz Eguskiza has registered more shots on target than Azaz (21).

For my second bet, I’ve raised the stakes by combining a goal or assist from Azaz with Middlesbrough double-chance, creating a 4/1 Bet Builder with Betfair.

Not only has Azaz sparkled in front of goal this season (6), but he also has a joint Championship seven assists to his name, giving him 13 goal contributions in 18 league games.

All six of Azaz’s goals and five of his assists have come in his last seven matches, a remarkable run. If anyone has the creativity and vision to break down Burnley’s stubborn backline, it’s him. While Burnley are in great form and will be motivated by the prospect of moving to the top of the table with a win, I believe this exciting, attack-focused Middlesbrough side - who have netted 13 goals in their last three away matches - have every chance of securing a positive result, whether it’s a point or all three.

Burnley vs Middlesbrough Bet Boosts

Burnley vs Middlesbrough Confirmed Lineups

The full lineups for tonight's game are displayed in the graphic below.