Stoke vs Middlesbrough Prediction: Boro to make it three wins on the spin

Stoke City will look to extend their unbeaten streak in the Championship to four matches when they welcome Middlesbrough to the bet365 Stadium on Wednesday (20:00 GMT, Sky Sports Main Event).

Boro head here on a two-game winning streak in the second tier with victories over Southampton and West Bromwich Albion. My Stoke vs Middlesbrough predictions can be found below, alongside the latest match odds and team news.

Team News

Gavin Bazunu will continue in goal for Stoke as Viktor Johansson continues to recover from a shoulder issue. Junior Tchamadeu, who picked up a knee injury earlier this month, is also ruled out.

The Potters continue to miss the influence of midfielder Lewis Baker, who has been missing with an ankle problem since November. Aaron Cresswell (calf), Ben Gibson (hamstring) and Divin Mubama (unspecified) are also in the treatment room.

Football Odds

Boro forward David Strelec remains out with an ankle injury, while Delano Burgzorg, who netted the winner at West Brom, is set to stay at the club after being linked with a January switch to Bristol City.

Goalkeeper Seny Dieng (Achilles), Callum Brittain (ankle), Riley McGree (hamstring), George Edmundson (hip) and Alex Bangura (muscle) are also absent for the visitors.

Today's Football Fixtures

Stoke vs Middlesbrough Odds

Stoke have won just two of their last seven home games in the league and they are 2/1 to come out on top here.

Two of their previous three outings on home soil in the Championship have ended in a draw, with the stalemate valued at 11/5.

Boro have won their past two league games and they are 11/8 (implied probability of 42.1%) to come away with the three points.

The visitors have failed to record a shutout in each of their previous eight away fixtures in the second tier, and BTTS - Yes is priced at 8/11.

Match Result - Middlesbrough @ 11/8

After back-to-back victories, Middlesbrough need to keep on an upward trajectory with Ipswich Town breathing down their necks in the race for automatic promotion. League leaders Coventry City also recorded a much-needed victory against Leicester City last time out, so none of these teams can afford to drop points right now.

Both Boro and Stoke are experiencing a handful of injuries heading into Wednesday, meaning neither squad is at its strongest. The hosts are unbeaten in three matches, though, while the visitors are on a two-game winning streak in the second tier.

Despite winning at West Brom, there were plenty of things that Boro need to improve upon for this match, such as not taking their foot off the gas if they take the lead.

There were lessons to be learned from that victory, and I think this can help them land a more convincing three points in the Potteries, as Stoke have not been at their best on home soil for some time.

Total Goals - Over 2.5 Goals @ 11/10

Middlesbrough managed to survive a late fightback from West Brom, which saw their initial two-goal lead wiped out. Boro's last three outings in all competitions have now produced four goals, with them scoring eight during this spell.

I think this match appeals for goals but I am lowering the threshold to over 2.5 because this has not been a frequent trend for Stoke of late. Only two of their past seven appearances in the Championship have seen three or more goals scored, but both of those matches did come at the bet365.

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