Stoke vs Middlesbrough Prediction & Betting Tips - Championship

Prediction published on 23/06/2020, 13:59  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 23/06/2020 at 14:59 in Championship Predictions

Both of these clubs desperately need to win this game. Stoke City are 18th in the Championship and host Middlesbrough who are 21st but only two points behind their opponents. Stoke made a terrible start to the season but have picked up well in recent months. A form guide for the past ten league games has them in ninth place with 15 points. They were unbeaten in four league games before their season resumed with a trip to Reading on Saturday. It looked as if that good run was going to come to an end but a 90th minute equalizer rescued a 1-1 draw. They are still only two points above the relegation zone so there's a lot to play for in the coming weeks. Home form has seen Stoke make a great improvement. They began the season with just seven points from their first ten games as they languished in the relegation zone. Their last nine have produced 20 points with just one loss to promotion-chasing Preston North End. Four of the last five have been won at home and that form has to continue if they want to stay out of trouble.

Middlesbrough are one place above the bottom three and only out of the relegation zone on goal difference. The weekend saw them lose 3-0 at home to Swansea, all the goals coming in the first 34 minutes. That defeat has led to the sacking of manager Jonathan Woodgate and the experienced Neil Warnock will be in charge now. Middlesbrough have only earned seven points from their last ten league games, so you can see why the change has been made. Three of their last five league games have ended in defeat and on their travels, they have one win in the last five. Only three away league games have been won by them this season, though they have won at both West Brom and Preston. Nine have been lost on the road though. Stoke can be backed to get an important win here due to their improving home form.