Stoke v Middlesbrough Tips

In what could be a dour, rugged and defence-minded encounter, the visitors could just pinch all three points here with an odd-goal win.

Middlesbrough may have won the last couple to halt the slide, but still shouldn't be the favourites for this one against a fellow promotion chaser, who have every chance of landing the home win.

Stoke have been struggling after a good start to the season, whereas Boro have continued their quest towards promotion. But the rugged Stoke defence could keep them at bay here.

Stoke are more defensively strong than attack-minded, whereas Boro are missing an out-and-out goal-getter. Low goals and not both to score.

The visitors to nick all three points in what could be a battle of the defenses rather than a goal feast of attacking football.