Stoke City face a major test of their promotion credentials when they host high-flying Middlesbrough this week. The Potters, sitting fourth in the Championship with 16 points from nine games, welcome a Boro side currently second in the table.
Manager Mark Robins has a near-full squad to select from for the key fixture. The team is in strong form, unbeaten in their last five matches with four wins and a draw. That run includes a 2-1 victory at Bolton Wanderers last time out, where goals from L. Cisse and B. Wilmot secured the points.
Key battle in midfield
Ethan Galbraith, Stoke's top scorer this season with three goals, will be central to their plans. His creativity from midfield has been a feature of their recent success. The team's fixtures show a challenging run ahead, making a positive result against a direct rival vital.
Robins acknowledged the scale of the challenge.
Stoke will be looking to avenge a 2-1 home defeat to Middlesbrough back in January. A win this time would see them close the gap on the automatic promotion places. The match kicks off at the bet365 Stadium on Tuesday evening.
