Middlesbrough vs Stoke City: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Coral's detailed preview for Middlesbrough vs Stoke City in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 19:45 BST match.

• Fixture: Middlesbrough vs Stoke City

• Date: Tuesday, 30 September 2025

• Kick-off: 19:45 BST

• Venue: Riverside Stadium

Match Prediction: Middlesbrough 2-1 Stoke City

Middlesbrough's recent form suggests they could dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities. Their ability to secure wins against strong teams like Sheffield United and Norwich City indicates a robust attacking strategy that could trouble Stoke City's defence. 

Stoke City has shown resilience, particularly in their away win against Southampton, which may help them stay competitive in this match.

However, Stoke's inconsistent results, including losses to QPR and West Bromwich Albion, could be a concern. Middlesbrough's home advantage and their knack for grinding out results might be decisive. 

The game could hinge on Middlesbrough's ability to capitalise on their home form, while Stoke City will need to be clinical in their counter-attacks.

Middlesbrough have been in solid form, with three wins and two draws in their last five matches. Their ability to secure victories against teams like Sheffield United and Norwich City demonstrates their strength at home. ~

This form could give them confidence going into the match against Stoke City, potentially allowing them to control the game's tempo and create scoring chances.

The draws against Southampton and Preston North End show that Middlesbrough can be vulnerable, but their recent performances suggest they are capable of overcoming such challenges. If they can maintain their defensive solidity and capitalise on their attacking prowess, they should be well-positioned to secure a positive result against Stoke City.

• Draw: 1-1 vs Southampton (A)

• Win: 2-1 vs West Bromwich Albion (H)

• Draw: 2-2 vs Preston North End (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Sheffield United (H)

• Win: 2-1 vs Norwich City (A)

Stoke City's recent form has been mixed, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five games. Their ability to secure a victory against Southampton away from home suggests they can be a dangerous team on the counter-attack.

However, losses to QPR and West Bromwich Albion highlight potential defensive frailties that Middlesbrough might exploit.

Despite these inconsistencies, Stoke City's resilience could play a crucial role in this match. If they can shore up their defence and make the most of their attacking opportunities, they might be able to challenge Middlesbrough, but their recent form suggests they will need to be at their best to secure a positive result.

• Draw: 1-1 vs Norwich City (H)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Queens Park Rangers (A)

• Win: 1-0 vs Birmingham City (H)

• Loss: 0-1 vs West Bromwich Albion (H)

• Win: 2-1 vs Southampton (A)

The head-to-head record between Middlesbrough and Stoke City shows a closely contested rivalry, with each team securing two victories and one draw in their last five encounters. 

Middlesbrough have had the upper hand in recent matches, winning 3-1 and 2-0 in their most recent meetings. However, Stoke City's ability to win 2-0 earlier in the season indicates they can pose a threat to Middlesbrough.

• Stoke City 1-3 Middlesbrough (25 Feb 2025)

• Middlesbrough 2-0 Stoke City (28 Sep 2024)

• Stoke City 2-0 Middlesbrough (02 Mar 2024)

• Middlesbrough 0-2 Stoke City (28 Oct 2023)

• Middlesbrough 1-1 Stoke City (14 Mar 2023)

• Seny Dieng (Achilles) - Out

• Riley McGree (Hamstring) - Out

• Dael Fry (Calf) - Doubt

• Darragh Lenihan (Muscle) - Doubt

• Lewis Baker (Unknown injury) - Out

• Sam Gallagher (Muscle) - Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Brynn, Ayling, Edmunson, Jones, Brittain, Hackney, Morris, Targett, Sène, Conway, Strelec

Middlesbrough's predicted lineup suggests a focus on maintaining possession and creating chances through the midfield, with players like Strelec and Conway likely to be key in breaking down Stoke's defence. Their recent form suggests they will seek to capitalise on their home advantage and dictate the game's tempo.

• Predicted lineup: Johansson, Tchamadeu, Lawal, Wilmot, Cresswell, Rigo, Pearson, Manhoef, Bae, Thomas, Mubama

Stoke City's predicted lineup points towards a strategy that relies on solid defending and quick counter-attacks, with Bae and Rigo expected to play pivotal roles. Their recent performances suggest they will need to be disciplined and clinical to challenge Middlesbrough effectively.

• Strelec vs Lawal: This duel will see Middlesbrough's forward Strelec looking to outmanoeuvre Stoke City's defender Lawal.

• Hackney vs Pearson: The midfield battle between Middlesbrough's Hackney and Stoke City's Pearson could be crucial in determining which team controls the game's flow.

• Morris (Middlesbrough): Morris's ability to influence the game from midfield makes him a vital player for Middlesbrough, potentially unlocking Stoke City's defence.

• Rigo (Stoke City): Rigo's role in Stoke City's midfield will be essential, as his creativity and defensive work could help them challenge Middlesbrough's dominance.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.