Stoke City have recently spent a dozen decent seasons in the English Premier League, finishing each of their campaigns in the middle of the standings. After dropping out of the elite division, the Potters immediately acquired a similar status in the second league of England. Now the team is located on one of the "usual" positions - nineteenth. The hosts of the field are focused on preserving the residence in the division, but changes in the coaching positions indicate that the club's management is not satisfied with the current state of affairs. On the second day of 2025, the Potters were led by another coach - Mark Robins. After almost two months under his leadership, the team continued to demonstrate mediocre football. Middlesbrough has more pronounced ambitions for promotion. And it works out for the hosts Riverside more than the upcoming opponents. However, Boro are also prone to slumps in form, which year after year prevents the club from reaching the Premier League. Carrick's side are in the midst of a deep crisis like they haven't been in a very long time, which somewhat equalises their chances on Tuesday with those of their opponents. Bookmakers have selected the visitors as favourites for the upcoming meeting, offering odds of 2.18 on their victory.

Stoke City under Robins has played eight league matches, of which three lost and two won. Of course, the task of the coach was not any achievements of the Potters in the current season, because even theoretically they can not get to the play-off zone. Serious transfer activity Stoke City now does not show, significant changes in the team can not be expected until the summer. In February, the Potters won and lost two matches in the Championship, as well as fell out of the FA Cup.

Middlesbrough have tasks more approachable in terms of time. In this regard, a month ago the team acquired Morgan Whittaker - one of the leaders of Plymouth - for a lot of money. Now Carrick needs to end the losing streak before participation in the play-off zone turns into a phantom goal. Boro are now four points behind fifth and sixth places in terms of points lost. We bet that the guests will be closer to victory.