Middlesbrough 0-0 Stoke City: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

The key moments from the match were sparse, with no goals or assists recorded. Middlesbrough made five substitutions, indicating an attempt to change the game's flow, but these changes did not result in a breakthrough. Stoke City, on the other hand, made four substitutions, showing a similar intent to alter their approach. The lack of significant key moments underscores the defensive nature of the game, with both teams focusing on maintaining a clean sheet rather than pushing for a win.

Middlesbrough lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, with Sol Brynn in goal and a back four of Luke Ayling, George Edmundson, Alfie Jones, and Matt Targett. The midfield trio of Hayden Hackney, Alan Browne, and Aidan Morris provided a solid base, while Sverre Nypan, David Strelec, and Tommy Conway led the attack. The five substitutions made by Middlesbrough suggest an attempt to inject fresh legs and ideas into the game, but none of the changes had a decisive impact. The lineup was as expected, with no major surprises, and the team's performance was consistent with their recent form.

Stoke City opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Viktor Johansson between the posts and a defense consisting of Bosun Lawal, Ashley Phillips, Ben Wilmot, and Eric-Junior Bocat. The midfield was anchored by Ben Pearson and Tatsuki Seko, with Sorba Thomas, Jun-ho Bae, and Lamine Cissé supporting striker Róbert Boženík. The four substitutions made by Stoke City indicate a desire to influence the game, but like Middlesbrough, they were unable to break the deadlock. The lineup was typical for Stoke City, and their performance was a testament to their recent improvement in form.

Sol Brynn is Coral's Man of the Match for his outstanding performance in goal for Middlesbrough. With five saves and no goals conceded, Brynn played a crucial role in securing a clean sheet for his team. His ability to keep Stoke City at bay despite their attacking efforts was pivotal in earning Middlesbrough a point. Brynn's performance was a highlight in an otherwise defensively focused game.

Recent Championship matches:

• Draw: 0-0 vs Stoke City (H)

• 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)

Recent Championship matches:

• Draw: 0-0 vs Middlesbrough (A)

• 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)

Sitting at the top of the Championship table with 18 points, Middlesbrough will face Portsmouth, who are in 19th place with 8 points, on October 04, 2025 at 15:00. This result against Stoke City might encourage Middlesbrough to maintain their solid defensive approach while looking to be more clinical in front of goal against a lower-ranked opponent.

With 14 points, Stoke City are in second place and will take on Blackburn Rovers, who sit in 21st with 6 points, on October 04, 2025 at 12:30. The draw against Middlesbrough should boost their confidence, and they will aim to continue their unbeaten run by exploiting Blackburn's position at the bottom of the table.

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