Stoke return to the bet365 stadium after two away fixtures against Morcombe & Huddersfield. 

The Potters are finding it hard to score the numerous chances the side are making each game, in fact against Huddersfield only 2 other sides in the country had a higher xG than Stoke. 

I honestly believe once Dwight Gayle gets his first he’ll grab a few more pretty quickly, especially if Liam Delap enters the building to give us an different option.

Middlesbrough haven’t started the season as well as most thought they would losing 2 of the 4 fixtures they’ve face and drawing the others. Let’s hope Stoke aren’t as charitable as they were against Huddersfield last time out

How have we faired in previous meetings.

Todays fixture will be the 104th meeting between the two sides

Stoke wins 36

Draws 23

Middlesbrough wins 43

The last meeting 

The last meeting between the two sides was back in April. Stoke started slowly and we’re 2-0 down within 25 mins. Stoke changed a few things at half time but Middlesbrough scored a third against the run of play. Stoke through Nick Powell got a consolation right at the death. Middlesbrough won the game 3-1.

The last time Middlesbrough visited the bet365 Stadium it wasn’t a game to be remembered with neither side doing anything remotely exciting to get their respected fans off their seats. That game ended 0-0

Who’s the threat

Chuba Akpom has been Middlesbrough biggest treat so far this season with the talented Matt Crooks pulling the strings in midfield. 

Form

Stoke

Millwall 2-0 Stoke

Stoke 2-0 Blackpool

Morecambe (5)0-0(3) Stoke (cup)

Huddersfield 3-1 Stoke

Middlesbrough 

Middlesbrough 1-1 WBA 

QPR 3-2 Middlesbrough 

Middlesbrough 0-1 Barnsley (cup)

Middlesbrough 2-2 Sheffield United

How could Stoke set up for the game.

Stoke are waiting on the fitness tests for Josh Laurent & Josh Tymon before deciding on who plays. One notable absentee will be on loan right wing back Harry Clarke who will miss a number of weeks. Stoke yesterday signed Tariqe Fosu from Brentford. It’s likely he will debut in place of Clarke

What is your score Prediction?