David Prutton predicts winner in Stoke City v Middlesbrough clash | OneFootball

David Prutton has tipped Middlesbrough to pile further misery on Stoke City tomorrow afternoon, with the two teams meeting in Staffordshire.

The Potters are in desperate need of a few wins to get them out of the drop zone and away from danger, with the club's summer rebuild failing to pay dividends for them.

At this stage, Stoke currently sit in the bottom three and that isn't ideal for a side that probably spent a considerable amount of money in recent windows to try and get their squad up to scratch.

Neither Alex Neil, nor current boss Steven Schumacher have been able to get a tune out of the squad, although this type of issue isn't new at the bet365 Stadium.

The Potters have been underwhelming ever since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018, with previous big spending failing to pay dividends for them.

Boro, meanwhile, are still competing for a top-six finish, but they look like outsiders in the promotion mix at the moment.

They may have a game in hand over many others and have recently beaten league leaders Leicester City, but they currently sit 11 points adrift of the top six and their chances of securing a place in the play-offs are slim at this stage.

David Prutton predicts: Stoke City v Middlesbrough

Stoke's desperation for points and their home advantage could pay dividends for Schumacher's side tomorrow.

But Prutton has backed Boro to come out with a 2-0 win in this game, writing: "It is all going wrong for Stoke City. They have sunk into the bottom three and morale feels really low at the bet365 Stadium.

"You wonder if Steven Schumacher quite realised what he was walking into.

"But they face a Middlesbrough side who are not in much form themselves.

"They have picked up just one win in six - albeit at Leicester - and are meandering in mid-table.

"It is a chance for the Potters and one they need to take. But I think Boro will sneak this."

Stoke City are facing their most important game of the season yet

Not only are Stoke at risk of being placed into deeper trouble by QPR, but Sheffield Wednesday are also on their tail and this is why tomorrow is perhaps their most important game of the season yet.

The Owls have been very good under Danny Rohl at times and it wouldn't be a surprise to see them survive, so the Potters need to fight for their lives.

Boro are a strong opponent and they can't be underestimated with the players they have.

However, Michael Carrick's side have been inconsistent at times this season and haven't been in great form recently, as Prutton has mentioned.