"Starting with the hosts, while many around the Riverside might have been shocked over the summer, following Michael Carrick's departure, Middlesbrough are clearly enjoying life under Rob Edwards' guidance. Getting the 2025/26 campaign underway with a gritty 1-0 victory at home against Swansea on August 9th, the former Luton boss should find the mood in his new squad at a real high."
"Despite suffering a shock EFL Cup exit at the hands of Doncaster last month, Boro have enjoyed a sensational Championship flurry. Mounting a late comeback away at second-tier returners Southampton last time out as they snatched a 1-1 stalemate at St. Mary's, Middlesbrough open Tuesday's showdown leading the chase at the top of the Championship standings. In fact, Edwards' side are unbeaten in all of their first seven Championship matchups and they have already put 17 points on the board."
"As for the visitors, although Stoke might have come flying out of the traps when opening up the 2025/26 campaign, it is fair to say that the Potters have somewhat come crashing back down to earth on either side of September's international break. Watching their respective EFL Cup adventure come to an end following a shock 3-0 drumming at home against League One outfit Bradford on August 26th, Mark Robins' men have now mustered just a single victory from any of their previous five appearances across all competitions."
Middlesbrough sit atop the Championship table, unbeaten in their first seven league matches and carrying 17 points into the midweek clash. Rob Edwards' side began the season with a 1-0 win over Swansea and have won all three home league matches by an aggregate 4-1. A recent 1-1 draw at Southampton followed a shock EFL Cup exit, but league form remains strong. Stoke started the season brightly but have faltered since the international break, suffering a surprise 3-0 EFL Cup loss to Bradford and claiming just one victory in five games.
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