Stoke City vs Middlesbrough Prediction: Stoke are down in relegation zone

Stoke City will welcome Middlesbrough at Bet365 Stadium in Game Week 35 of the English Championship. Stoke are down in the relegation zone on goal difference. Who will come out on top after 90 minutes?

Stoke City form

Stoke City is facing a serious threat of relegation with six losses in their last seven games. Despite a recent win against Queens Park Rangers, defeats to Coventry City and Cardiff City have pushed them into the bottom three. With just 19 points from 17 home games, Stoke needs a win at the bet365 Stadium to stay close to safety.Jordan Thompson will miss two games for Stoke due to his 10th yellow card of the season, allowing Lynden Gooch to potentially return at left-back. Josh Laurent is expected to start in central midfield over Luke Cundle, and Tyrese Campbell or Andre Vidigal could also feature in the attack. Luke McNally and Ryan Mmaee are sidelined due to injury and disciplinary issues, respectively.

Stoke City Predicted Lineup

Iversen; Tchamadeu, Wilmot, Rose, Gooch; Baker, Laurent, Burger; Campbell, Ennis, Bae.

Middlesbrough form

Despite having a game in hand on several teams above them, Middlesbrough's hopes of promotion are fading after suffering another defeat. Michael Carrick likely saw the home game against Plymouth Argyle as a chance for his team to get back in the race, especially after a surprise win against leaders Leicester City. However, Boro lost 2-0 to Plymouth at the Riverside Stadium, their eighth home defeat in 17 matches this season. This has created an 11-point gap to the playoffs and a nine-point cushion from the relegation zone, leading to important decisions for the club's management. On a brighter note, Middlesbrough has been more successful on the road, including a recent win at the King Power Stadium, earning 23 points from 16 away games. 

Emmanuel Latte Lath may start for Middlesbrough after returning from injury last weekend. Lukas Engel and Sam Greenwood could be included in the lineup, with Dael Fry nearing a return from injury. 

Middlesbrough Predicted Lineup

Glover; Ayling, Van den Berg, McNair, Engel; O'Brien, Barlaser; Forss, Azaz, Greenwood; Latte Lath.

Stoke City vs Middlesbrough Expert Tips

While Stoke may hope to capitalize on their talent against Middlesbrough, we predict that Boro will take advantage of the situation and win at the bet365 Stadium. Expect both teams to be on the scoresheet.