Can Boro end Stoke's unbeaten run? Stoke City vs Middlesbrough prediction - 13.10.2026
On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Stoke City will host Middlesbrough in the tenth round of the EFL Championship. Both teams enter this encounter in excellent form and are firmly involved in the early promotion race. Middlesbrough sit second with 18 points, while Stoke occupy fourth place with 16. With just two points separating them, this clash in Stoke-on-Trent promises to be one of the standout fixtures of the round.
Stoke City: Five wins in six matches, but a defensive problem emerges
Mark Robins' side have undergone an impressive transformation after losing their opening three Championship matches. Stoke are now unbeaten in six consecutive league games, collecting five victories and one draw during that period.
The Potters have defeated Norwich (1-0), Charlton (4-0), Watford (2-1), Sheffield United (2-1) and Bolton (2-1), with their only dropped points coming in a 1-1 draw against Cardiff.
Their latest victory was particularly impressive. Playing away against Bolton on October 10, Stoke were reduced to ten men after just 20 minutes following Maksym Talovierov's dismissal. Nevertheless, goals from Lamine Cissé and Ben Wilmot secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
The result highlighted the team's growing confidence, defensive resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Ethan Galbraith remains an important presence in midfield, while Jack McGlynn provides creativity and Cissé offers a threat in the attacking third.
However, Talovierov's red card is a significant concern ahead of this fixture. The Ukrainian defender is expected to serve a suspension, forcing Robins to reorganize his defensive line. Svante Ingelsson, Ato Ampah and Aaron Cresswell have also been listed as injury doubts.
Against one of the Championship's most productive attacks, any disruption to Stoke's defensive structure could prove costly.
Middlesbrough: Hellberg's team strengthen their promotion ambitions
Middlesbrough have established themselves among the Championship's leading promotion contenders. Kim Hellberg's side have collected 18 points from nine matches, recording five wins, three draws and just one defeat.
Boro are unbeaten in their last seven league fixtures, combining an increasingly effective attacking system with the ability to secure results in difficult encounters.
Their most recent match produced an important 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on October 10. Will Lankshear scored the decisive goal in the 57th minute, taking his tally to seven Championship goals this season.
The young striker has become a central figure in Middlesbrough's attack. His movement inside the penalty area, aerial ability and finishing provide a reliable attacking reference point.
However, Boro's offensive strength extends beyond Lankshear. Tommy Conway contributes movement and creativity, Amario Cozier-Duberry offers pace and directness, while Riley McGree and Aidan Morris help control the midfield.
Hellberg has also demonstrated tactical flexibility. Against Wolves, Middlesbrough successfully combined aggressive pressing with disciplined defending, limiting their opponents to relatively few clear opportunities.
The visitors do have personnel concerns of their own, with defender Alfie Jones recovering from a calf injury. Nevertheless, the combination of Alex Gilbert's former teammate? No—Middlesbrough's established options such as Adilson Malanda and Ashley Phillips gives Hellberg alternatives in central defense.
Probable lineups
- Stoke City: Johansson; Tchamadeu, Wilmot, Graham; Johnson, Soumaré, Galbraith, Bocat; McGlynn, Cissé, Devenny.
- Middlesbrough: Vítek; Brittain, Phillips, Malanda, Borges; Morris, Berhalter; Cozier-Duberry, McGree, Conway; Lankshear.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Stoke City are unbeaten in their last six Championship matches, winning five.
- Middlesbrough have avoided defeat in seven consecutive league games.
- Boro have scored 17 goals in nine Championship matches, compared with Stoke's 15.
- Middlesbrough have won three of their last four league meetings with Stoke, with the other ending in a draw.
- Middlesbrough won their two most recent Championship visits to Stoke, 2-1 in January 2026 and 3-1 in February 2025.
The visitors can exploit Stoke's defensive problems: Stoke City vs Middlesbrough prediction
Stoke's current form deserves respect. Mark Robins has turned a difficult start into a convincing run of results, and the victory over Bolton demonstrated that his players can overcome serious adversity.
However, Middlesbrough represent a particularly demanding opponent. Hellberg's side possess greater attacking variety, a highly productive striker in Lankshear and enough creativity in midfield to capitalize on defensive mistakes.
Talovierov's expected absence could be especially important. Stoke will have to reorganize the back line against opponents who are comfortable attacking through central combinations and wide deliveries.
The hosts should remain competitive, particularly given their recent confidence, but Middlesbrough's attacking quality, consistency and favorable recent head-to-head record give the visitors the edge in what promises to be a closely fought encounter.
Prediction: Middlesbrough to win.
