Mark Robins press conference notes: Inspiration from Middlesbrough for Stoke City

Stoke City manager Mark Robins discussed the tactical inspiration his team can take from Middlesbrough following their recent encounter. Speaking ahead of Saturday's fixture against Preston, Robins praised Middlesbrough's tactical approach and recruitment under manager Kim Hellberg, backing them for automatic promotion. He highlighted that while ninth-place Stoke are slightly behind in their developmental cycle after extensive squad changes, the squad is establishing a strong starting point.

Robins also provided squad updates, remaining coy on Lamine Cisse while confirming Million Manhoef has returned from compassionate leave. Eric Bocat and Ato Ampah remain sidelined, while Svante Ingelsson, Sam Gallagher, and Aaron Cresswell are nearing returns to the matchday squad.