Striker up for the challenge

STOKE City Number 9 Divin Mubama is looking for his side to prove they're a good team too, as they take on Championship pacesetters Middlesbrough.

- By PETER SMITH

Middlesbrough are defending an unbeaten run, while Stoke have won four and drawn one of their opening seven to sit third. Confidence is high in both camps.

“Everyone knows it's a big game and we've got to put in the same kind of performance we did against Norwich,” said Mubama.

“I thought we played very well and just change the scoreline and we'll be all right.

“It's important. The Middlesbrough game will be a really good game for both sides.