Pick of the stats: Stoke City v Middlesbrough

Stoke City host Middlesbrough at the bet365 Stadium on Tuesday night in a clash between two of the Championship's most in-form teams. After dropping their first three matches, the Potters have risen from bottom to fourth place by going unbeaten in six league fixtures with five wins and one draw. Meanwhile, second-placed Middlesbrough enter the contest on a seven-match unbeaten streak, having suffered only a single defeat all season.

Historical trends favor the visitors, as Middlesbrough have won their last two away league games against Stoke and are targeting a third consecutive away victory for the first time. However, Stoke aim to claim four straight home league wins for the first time since April 2014. Additionally, Stoke manager Mark Robins has registered eight Championship wins against Middlesbrough in his career, though he is winless against them with Stoke.