Middlesbrough vs Stoke predictions: Potters can end Boro's winning run
- Boro are ninth in the table
- Stoke are down in 17th but just four points off top six
- Recommended bet: Draw
Two in-form teams with promotion aspirations meet at the Riverside Stadium when Middlesbrough host Stoke.
Boro are on a brilliant six-game winning run in the Championship but that could come to an end when Stoke visit as the Potters approach the clash in good form themselves, winning their last two.
Team news
Boro boss Michael Carrick is likely to stick with the majority of the side that beat Norwich on Tuesday but Hayden Hackney is suspended with Dan Barlaser expected to come in.
Forwards Samuel Silvera and Morgan Rogers could be in contention to start after they both came off the bench late on at Carrow Road, the former doing his chances of a recall no harm with what proved to be the crucial second goal in injury time.
Lewis O'Brien remains on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
Tyrese Campbell, Lewis Baker and Emre Tezgel are all making good progress from injury for Stoke but this game comes too soon for all of them, while Ben Wilmot is unlikely to play again until January.
If Alex Neil decides to make changes to freshen his side up then Lynden Gooch, Josh Laurent and Wesley could be handed starts.
The stats
Middlesbrough failed to win any of their first three home league games this season but they have since beaten Southampton, Cardiff and Birmingham in successive matches at the Riverside.
Stoke have only won once away in the Championship this season when they came from 2-0 down to triumph 3-2 at Bristol City.
Both matches between the two sides in the Championship last term ended all square with 2-2 the scoreline at Stoke and 1-1 the outcome on Teesside.
Prediction
After a poor start, Middlesbrough are now flying under Carrick and their six-match winning run has lifted them much closer to the play-off places.
However, they have left it late in their last two games to seal victory with Rogers' winner against Birmingham last week coming in the 88th minute before Silvera's injury-time strike confirmed the points at Norwich.
Stoke were struggling following successive defeats to Southampton and Leicester but they have since responded with fine wins over Sunderland and Leeds.
Even though they are down in 17th, the Potters are only four points off the top six which reflects the chaotic and tight nature of the Championship.
Boro's fine winning run will have to come to an end soon and a rejuvenated Stoke look as likely as anyone to prevent them making it seven victories on the spin.
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