Middlesbrough vs Stoke prediction: ENGLAND: Championship betting tips on match 2023-03-13 20:00.
Middlesbroughâs pursuit of Sheffield United and the automatic promotion place they possess gathered steam over the weekend, with Michael Carrickâs men coming from behind to win 3-1 against Swansea whilst Sheffield United were conquered by Luton Town. Carrick said that âthe league table doesnât affect how we approach each gameâ, but supporters are certainly dreaming of an immediate return to the Premier League thanks to their remarkable revival under the former England international (W15, D1, L4).
A dazzling run of form at the Riverside Stadium has sparked that upturn in form, with Boro winning seven straight league games on their own turf, scoring 20 goals in that time and conceding just three! Only Burnley have lost fewer games at home than Middlesbroughâs two, while no side in the division boasts a better defensive record in front of their own fans (GA: 13).
The visit of Stoke City to Teeside is unlikely to trouble the Boro supporters, as the Potters are winless in this H2H on the road since August 1997 (D1, L5). That said, Alex Neilâs men are hitting their stride at the moment, winning four of their last six league games (L2), while they have earned more points on their travels (24) than at home this term (22).
Stokeâs mini-resurgence continued with a 3-2 victory over Blackburn, although conceding twice in the last five minutes highlighted some vulnerabilities. Neilâs men held on, leading the Scotsman to boast âwhen we score the first goal, weâre a dangerous teamâ. The chances of that happening here appear slim, as the Potters have netted just one away goal in the opening 15 minutes of games this season – better only than Blackpool.
Players to watch: Runaway Championship top scorer Chuba Akpom has never found the net in two previous meetings with Stoke (W1, D1). If he manages to do so here he could write his name in the clubâs history, as the next goal scored at the Riverside will be the 1,000th since it was opened. One of the defenders tasked with stopping him will be Ki-Jana Hoever who made the headlines at the other end of the pitch in the win over Blackburn by netting a first-half brace.
Hot stat: Middlesbrough have scored 19 goals between half-time and the 60th minute – the highest total in the division.