Southampton vs Stoke City Preview
Southampton returned to St. Mary’s with an embarrassment following a huge defeat to Leicester City at King Power Stadium. However, the loss may did not affect the Saints’ position in the play-off zone, sitting fourth collecting 84 points with West Bromwich Albion 12 points below.
Stoke City, however, are having their own issue of escaping the relegation threat after securing only one win in the last five games. The Potters would travel to the south with their chins up after beating Plymouth Argyle three goals to nil.
Considering the situation, Stoke are in a more motivated position in order to keep playing in the Championship division next season. Southampton on the other hand, could focus for the two remaining league games of the campaign.
Southampton vs Stoke City Team News
Southampton
Southampton had a huge blow as the goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is out for about 10 months. The Dublin-born suffered an achilles injury in a warm-up session prior to facing Preston North End last week. It was another addition for The Saints’ injury list this season after Ross Stewart and Juan Larios also ended the season earlier.
On the other hand, Southampton’s huge defeat to Leicester City has left the manager Martin Russel gutted. The 38-year old gaffer felt that his players needed to keep putting themselves together despite having secured the play-off contention. The lack of hunger was according to Russel one of the reasons why such a result against The Foxes happened.
“I’m sure the style of play will be blamed, but it’s not that. It’s about mentality, it’s about courage, it’s about guts, it’s about adding value to your teammates,” Russel said. “That dressing room on Saturday and tonight, not enough of that.”
Southampton Predicted Lineups
Alex McCarthy, Kyle Walker-Peters, Jan Bednarek, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, James Bree, Shea Charles, Joe Aribo, Joe Rothwell, Adam Armstrong, David Brooks, Che Adams.
Stoke City
Junior Tchamadeu has not shown any signs of returning to the first team. The 20-year old right-back has been out since February due to his ankle injury. The clubs previously sent him to join the U21 as part of his recovery process, facing Leicester City in the U21 competition.
“He looks ok,” Stoke manager Steven Schumacher said. “I thought it was important he played some minutes and he played 45 (against Leicester). That’s his first football (since February). Also when he’s come back into training it’s been modified because he came in when we were in a real busy schedule of games.”
Stoke’s other three players Lynden Gooch, Ben Pearson and Ryan Mmaee will continue their hamstring rehabilitation. All of them were targeted to be betting their feet back on the ground before the season ends or when Stoke face Bristol in the last league game.
Stoke City Predicted Lineups
Daniel Iversen, Ki-Jana Hoever, Ben Wilmot, Luke McNally, Enda Stevens, Josh Laurent, Jordan Thompson, Million Manhoef, Bae Jun-ho, Luke Cundle, Tyrese Campbell.
Southampton vs Stoke City Head to Head Stats
In history, Southampton and Stoke City have met 54 times with the aforementioned winning more games with 25 times. The Potters managed to claim 17 matches and the rest were drawn. The last time Stoke beat Southampton was when both teams still competed in the Premier League back in 2017.
Last 5 H2H Results
Stoke City 0-1 Southampton (2023, Championship)
Southampton 0-0 Stoke City (2018, Premier League)
Stoke City 2-1 Southampton (2017, Premier League)
Southampton 0-1 Stoke City (2017, Premier League)
Stoke City 0-0 Southampton (2016, Premier League)
Southampton vs Stoke City Prediction
Southampton have been more composed compared to the guest northward. In the reverse fixture this season, The Saints beat Stoke at Britannia 1-0. Playing at home could also be another advantage for Southampton this weekend, leaving Stoke only relying on their desire to keep their distance to the bottom three.
Prediction: Southampton 3-1 Stoke City
Southampton vs Stoke City Odds & Betting Tips
Betting Tips
Southampton to beat Stoke City
Both teams to score
Goals over 2.5 – yes
Southampton vs Stoke City Schedule and Telecast
Venue: St. Mary’s Stadium, Southampton
Schedule: Saturday, 27 April at 3:00 PM (GMT)
India: FanCode (Selective match)
UK: Sky Sports
USA: ESPN
Also Read: Man United vs Burnley Preview, Prediction and Betting Tips | Premier League