Both beaten last time out, relegation-threatened Stoke City and playoff hopefuls Middlesbrough will seek maximum points when they meet on Tuesday.
While Stoke's loss leaves them dangling above the Championship drop zone, Boro are trailing behind the top six with games running out.
Match preview
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Recent wins over Hull City and Swansea had helped Stoke move six points clear of the bottom three, giving a big boost to their Championship survival hopes.
However, their away woes continued on Saturday, when the Potters suffered a 4-2 defeat in Norwich despite Lewis Baker bagging a brace - they have now won just one of their last eight league matches on the road.
Nonetheless, they are unbeaten in four fixtures at the bet365 Stadium and are now intent on posting back-to-back home wins for the first time in the league this season.
Across his managerial career, Stoke boss Mark Robins has won six and lost just one of eight previous home games against Middlesbrough - winning his last three in succession with Coventry City - and he will aim to continue that trend on Tuesday.
As the hosts have lost just two of their last 20 against Boro in the Potteries, history is also on their side - if not league position.
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Having previously lost three games to Stoke by an aggregate scoreline of 9-0, Middlesbrough broke that dismal run by winning September's reverse fixture, and they currently sit nine points above their next opponents.
Now seeking a first league double over the Staffordshire side since 2020, Boro really need a midweek victory, as their dreams of making the playoffs are diminishing.
Following five straight defeats, Michael Carrick's men occupy 13th place, sitting seven points adrift of the top six - albeit still with a game in hand.
On Friday night, conceding two late goals cost them dearly against Bristol City, and a 2-1 loss allowed one of their direct rivals to move into the playoff places.
Once lauded for his impressive impact, Carrick is now coming under pressure to produce a turnaround, having overseen just two wins in 12 Championship matches - his team's last away success was on New Year's Day.
Having racked up 27 goals across their 16 Championship road trips, Boro are still the second tier's top away scorers, but they must also try to keep the back door shut against a Stoke side scrapping for survival.
Team News
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Having returned to training after a knee injury, Stoke's Wouter Burger could now join Ben Wilmot and Sam Gallagher - both of whom were back in the squad at the weekend - on the hosts' bench.
Enda Stevens returned to the starting lineup against Norwich City, but the Potters are still without Sol Sidibe, Ryan Mmaee and Lynden Gooch, while Josh Wilson-Esbrand remains a doubt.
After Lewis Koumas was dropped on Saturday, the Wales winger will hope to rejoin Ali Al-Hamadi's supporting cast.
Meanwhile, Middlesbrough are still missing Seny Dieng, Darragh Lenihan, Ben Doak, Riley McGree and Jonny Howson.
Anfernee Dijksteel and Dael Fry recently returned from injury and illness respectively, and they should both start again after forming half of Boro's back four on Friday.
Though Tommy Conway and Kelechi Iheanacho were paired in attack at Ashton Gate, either may make way if Finn Azaz or Samuel Iling-Junior are recalled.
Stoke City possible starting lineup:
Johansson; Tchamadeu, Phillips, Rose, Stevens; Pearson, Seko; Moran, Baker, Koumas; Al-Hamadi
Middlesbrough possible starting lineup:
Travers; Dijksteel, Fry, Van den Berg, Borges; Hackney, Morris; Whittaker, Azaz, Burgzorg; Iheanacho
We say: Stoke City 2-1 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough's season is on a distinct downward trajectory, and they will not turn it around against an improving Stoke side.
While far from the finished article, the Potters are showing signs of life under Mark Robins and should extend their unbeaten steak on home turf.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Jonathan O'Shea
