Stoke City play host to Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon with the club having dropped into the Championship relegation zone.
At a time when the Potters sit in 22nd position in the standings, Middlesborough are in 13th spot, albeit seemingly with little to play for unless they put together a sustained winning streak.
Match preview
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While Middlesbrough still possess a game in hand on many of the teams above them, any promotion hopes are hanging by a thread after yet another defeat.
Michael Carrick would have earmarked the home fixture with Plymouth Argyle as one where his team could catapult themselves back into contention, particularly on the back of upsetting leaders Leicester City.
Instead, Boro succumbed to a 2-0 scoreline against the Pilgrims at the Riverside Stadium - their eighth defeat in 17 league matches on home territory this season.
As a result, there is now an 11-point deficit to the playoffs and a nine-point advantage over the bottom three, leaving the Boro hierarchy with decisions to make over how they intend to progress forward.
On a positive note, Boro have been far more impressive on their travels, with their recent success at the King Power Stadium making it 23 points from 16 away games in the second tier.
From the perspective of Stoke City, they find themselves in a situation where relegation has become a real possibility, a consequence of six defeats being posted in seven games.
Head coach Steven Schumacher would have been confident of a revival on the back of overcoming Queens Park Rangers by a 1-0 scoreline on February 14.
However, defeats have since being posted against Coventry City and Cardiff City respectively, resulting in the Potters dropping into the bottom three.
Stoke now have just 19 points from their 17 home fixtures, and they could do with a sixth win at the bet365 Stadium to stay within touching distance of getting out of trouble as soon as possible.
Team News
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Jordan Thompson starts a two-game ban for Stoke after collecting his 10th yellow card of the season, putting Lynden Gooch in line to return at left-back.
Josh Laurent appears likely to get the nod over Luke Cundle in central midfield, while Tyrese Campbell or Andre Vidigal may also feature in the final third.
As well as defender Luke McNally remaining on the sidelines through injury, Ryan Mmaee is likely to stay unavailable for selection for disciplinary issues.
Emmanuel Latte Lath could be thrown into the Middlesbrough XI on the back of making his return from injury last weekend.
Lukas Engel and Sam Greenwood may also be recalled at left-back and in a creative role respectively, with Dael Fry the closest to a return of Boro's eight injured players.
Stoke City possible starting lineup:
Iversen; Tchamadeu, Wilmot, Rose, Gooch; Baker, Laurent, Burger; Campbell, Ennis, Bae
Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Glover; Ayling, Van den Berg, McNair, Engel; O'Brien, Barlaser; Forss, Azaz, Greenwood; Latte Lath
We say: Stoke City 1-2 Middlesbrough
At some point, the feeling may be that Stoke's array of talent will finally return to form, and facing a side like Boro represents the ideal opportunity. However, we are backing Carrick's inconsistent side to take advantage of playing with less pressure to prevail at the bet365 Stadium.
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Darren Plant
