Middlesbrough is currently in the best form in the league, having won 12 out of possible 15 points in their last five games. This puts them only four points behind Sheffield United ,who is currently in second place. If Middlesbrough continues to play in this manner, they have a real chance of getting to second place. Their recent good form is largely thanks to their offensive playing style, which has made them the second most efficient team in the league. One major advantage for Middlesbrough in this upcoming game is that they will be playing on their home field, where they have won seven games in a row. This is a significant streak and will give them a psychological advantage over their opponents, Stoke. Furthermore, Middlesbrough has a very strong defense, having conceded only three goals in that streak of seven home victories. This will make it very difficult for Stoke to score against them, despite their recent good form, which saw them scoring an unusually large number of goals. Stoke has been in really good form lately, winning their last two matches with an impressive number of goals. This means that they will be coming into this match with a lot of confidence and momentum. Despite this, it will be difficult for them to score against Middlesbrough's strong defense. The biggest threat for Stoke will be Middlesbrough's top scorer, Akpom, who has scored nine goals in his last eight matches. He will certainly be looking to continue his good form and add to his tally of goals. If he is able to score, it will put Middlesbrough in a very strong position to win the match. Overall, it is likely to be a tight game, but Middlesbrough's home advantage, strong defense, and offensive playing style should give them the edge. Carrick's side has enough quality to claim another victory in this match, and it will be interesting to see if they are able to continue their good form and make a push for second place in the league.

本译文使用有道机器翻译，仅供参考：

米德尔斯堡目前在联赛中处于最佳状态，在过去的5场比赛中拿下了15分中的12分。这使得他们只落后谢菲尔德联队4分，谢菲尔德联队目前排名第二。如果米德尔斯堡继续这样踢下去，他们真的有机会获得第二名。他们最近的良好状态很大程度上要归功于他们的进攻打法，这使他们成为联盟中第二高效的球队。在这场即将到来的比赛中，米德尔斯堡的一个主要优势是他们将在自己的主场比赛，他们在这里已经取得了七连胜。这是一个重要的连胜，将使他们在心理上比对手斯托克城更有优势。此外，米德尔斯堡的防守非常强大，在连续七场主场胜利中只丢了3球。这将使斯托克城很难在对阵他们的比赛中进球，尽管他们最近状态良好，进了异常多的球。斯托克城最近状态非常好，最近两场比赛都取得了令人印象深刻的进球。这意味着他们将带着很大的信心和动力进入这场比赛。尽管如此，面对米德尔斯堡强大的防守，他们还是很难进球。斯托克城最大的威胁将是米德尔斯堡的头号射手阿克波姆，他在过去的8场比赛中打进了9球。他肯定会继续他的良好状态，增加他的进球数。如果他能够进球，米德尔斯堡将处于非常有利的位置来赢得比赛。总的来说，这可能是一场激烈的比赛，但米德尔斯堡的主场优势、强大的防守和进攻风格应该会给他们带来优势。卡里克的球队有足够的实力在这场比赛中取得另一场胜利，看看他们是否能够继续保持良好的状态，并向联赛第二的位置发起冲击将是很有趣的。