Stoke City are currently 14th in the Championship after 15 matches having five wins, losses and draws to their name.

Gary Rowett’s side head back to the Bet 365 Stadium this weekend to take on high-flying Middlesbrough, and he has issued his players with a challenge ahead of the match.

Stoke have been unbeaten away from home in their last five matches, but have struggled to win on their own patch, managing just two victories at the Bet 365 Stadium this year.

And Rowett has spoken to his players about upping their efforts in front of their own supporters ahead of what looks to be an interesting clash between the two sides.

Speaking to the club’s official media channels ahead of the fixture, Rowett said: “I thought last Saturday’s win was as big as any we’ve had this season.

“Performance-wise, away from home, we were gritty and stuck to our tasks. We worked the goal well and had two or three opportunities afterwards to increase the scoreline.

“We’re now unbeaten in five away from home, a run which I feel provides proof that we are starting to become a much tougher nut to crack.

“Our challenge now is to try and fashion some real consistency to our results on home soil, starting against Middlesbrough on Saturday.”

The verdict

There is still pressure for the Stoke City players when they turn out in front of their own supporters.

With that extra weight on their shoulders, the players become wary of their individual performances hoping not to play poorly and get the fans on their back, and that isn't conducive to positive results.

It is a big thing in football to have solid home form to get the fans on your side and make it difficult for travelling fans.

Stoke have switched that around and find it easier on their travels with a smaller number of supporters in the ground to watch them.

Being away from home alleviates that pressure that is projected on to them.

If the Potters can keep hold of their current away form and improve their results on their own patch, then there is no reason why they should not be moving up the league in the near future.