Stoke City vs Middlesbrough — Tips & Analysis

Under 3: These two clubs have a long history of quiet games. The last 19 meetings have averaged just over 2 goals in total, and the last two finished 0-0 and 1-2. Stoke have tightened up at the bet365 Stadium. They let in just over a goal a game across their nine home outings there. They are unbeaten in five and won 2-1 at Bolton three days ago, so they will be happy to keep this tight. Middlesbrough are the better team on paper and sit second on 18 points. They are a different side on the road though. Boro have tied three and lost four of their last nine away games, and they score just over a goal a game on those trips. Only two points separate these promotion chasers, and neither can afford a loose night. That usually means a careful first hour and very few clear chances. A 1-1 is the likeliest score, and that leaves us well clear. The honest worry is Boro's own games. They have had 3 or more goals in 11 of their last 17, so a flat night can open up quickly. Stoke are down three bodies too, with Talovierov suspended and Cresswell and Ingelsson hurt. We still trust the history between these clubs and want the low-scoring game.