EFL pundit shares’really tough’ verdict in Middlesbrough vs Stoke City score prediction.
Middlesbrough will be looking for better fortune as they take on Stoke City in their second match of the season.
After a 10-year streak without a victory on the first weekend of a season, Boro’s 2024–25 campaign got off to a great start at Riverside Stadium with a 1-0 victory over Swansea City.
A few days later, Middlesbrough destroyed Leeds United 3-0 in the Carabao Cup’s opening round.
But after Michael Carrick’s team finished their second-round match, that North Yorkshire success was soon forgotten.
Middlesbrough fell 5-0 at Stoke City, sending them out of the Carabao Cup at such an early stage. Lukas Engel was chaotic.
While not as bad as that result, Boro’s league form has been similarly poor in recent weeks.
Middlesbrough lost 1-0 to Sunderland last time out and have now slipped down to 12th in the Championship table.
Sam Parkin gives Middlesbrough vs Stoke City score prediction
After beating Boro in the League Cup, Stoke has been considerably worse, to the point where they fired their manager.
Narcis Pelach, who watched his new team lose 3-1 to Hull City on Friday night, listed Stoke’s main vulnerabilities.
Even though Boro hasn’t played well lately, The Potters are still a little underdog going into the match.
Speaking on the Championship Check-in podcast, EFL commentator Sam Parkin appears to concur as he has now endorsed Middlesbrough to defeat Stoke when the two teams play at the Riverside on September 27.
“Very difficult because there were definitely real signs that Stoke could be onto something good in the first 45 minutes [vs Hull City],” he stated.
What Middlesbrough must avoid to beat Stoke City
Though Middlesbrough are predicted to win this Championship clash, Boro fans will be well aware that their side never make it easy for themselves.
The Teessiders have had a very kind run of Championship fixtures so far this season but have still dropped points to the likes of Preston North End, Portsmouth and Derby County.
As a result, while they should win, Middlesbrough must avoid doing one thing to ensure the three points are kept at the Riverside.
Boro simply cannot let Stoke score first. Every team Carrick’s men have played this season sit very deep and limit their ability to hit them on the counter.
So, if Stoke get their noses in front, it is sure to be another cagey affair that ends in Middlesbrough once again failing to break down a team despite creating a plethora of chances.
Read more news on https://sportupdates.co.uk/
Leave a Reply