Stoke entertain Middlesbrough on Saturday hoping to solidify there place in the play off places with a win.

The win over QPR last time out gave hope again, that even with the injuries we can mount a challenge for the play offs at least.

Stoke though however have only won 1 of the last 6 games against Middlesbrough, that was the last time they came to the bet365 Stadium.

Stoke have only won 4 of the 9 games at home versus Middlesbrough since 1987.

How have we faired in previous meetings.

Saturday’s fixture will be the 101st meeting between the two sides

Stoke wins 36

Draws 22

Middlesbrough wins 42

The last meeting 

The last meeting between the sides was back in March, Middlesbrough ran out 3-0 winners.

God only knows how we lost the game that day but football is like that some days.

The last fixture at the bet365 Stadium Nathan Collins scored his last goal as a Stoke player, as the Potters ran out 1-0 winners. 

Form (last 4 games)

Stoke

Stoke 2-0 Peterborough 

Bristol City 1-0 Stoke

Stoke 0-1 Blackburn

QPR 0-2 Stoke

Middlesbrough 

Middlesbrough 1-1 Millwall

Middlesbrough 1-2 Preston

Huddersfield 1-2 Middlesbrough 

Middlesbrough 1-0 Swansea

Middlesbrough have won the last two games, and 5 of the last 10 games. They currently sit 4 points behind the Potters so a draw at least would be good for them as 7 points behind Stoke isn’t what they need going into the busy Xmas period.

Who’s the threat

Think it’s a case of who have Stoke been linked with in the past, as those usually haunt us. Paddy McNair is one of those players. Paddy is rated as Middlesbrough’s best player this season, from midfield he’s contributed to 5 of Middlesbrough’s goals with 3 goals & 2 assists so far.

How could Stoke set up for the game.

Romain Sawyers will miss the next 10-12 weeks but conveniently Sam Clucas is back from injury so will more than likely start in the place of Sawyers. No further injuries have been reported so I’d expect the same side that beat QPR bar that notable change of Clucas for Sawyers. 

What is your score Prediction?