Middlesbrough - Norwich

Middlesbrough must quickly reset their focus after a heavy midweek cup defeat as they prepare for a challenging Championship clash at Riverside Stadium on 12 September 2026. The hosts arrive at matchday 7 looking to rediscover the defensive solidity that secured a clean sheet against Queens Park Rangers earlier in the month. With Jeremy Sarmiento sidelined due to injury, the expected XI will rely on the attacking partnership of Will Lankshear and Kyle Joseph to test a visiting defense that has shown vulnerability despite a strong recent run of results.

Norwich City travel north in buoyant spirits following consecutive league victories, including a clinical performance in their 3-1 win over Sheffield United. The visitors have demonstrated significant firepower, notably putting four goals past Burnley in late August, though their inconsistency remains a factor after a narrow loss to Stoke City. History favors the hosts in recent meetings, with Middlesbrough unbeaten in their last four league encounters against the Canaries, a trend they will hope to maintain on home soil.