Stoke City vs Southampton: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview
On Saturday afternoon, Stoke City will host Southampton at the bet365 Stadium in a crucial Championship encounter. The match offers Stoke an opportunity to climb back into the top six. Meanwhile, Southampton hopes to reverse its recent poor form.
Match Preview
Stoke City aims for promotion to the Premier League after years of mid-table finishes in the Championship. However, a three-match winless streak has hampered their chances for a playoff spot. After drawing 1-1 against Birmingham City last week, the Potters currently sit in 10th place, two points shy of the playoff positions.
Stoke has not performed well at home, collecting only two points from their last three league matches at the bet365 Stadium. They stand at 16th in terms of home performance, having not won in their last four league matches at home (D2, L2).
- Last match: Drew 1-1 at Birmingham City
- Current Championship position: 10th
- Recent performance: D2, L2 at home
Sorba Thomas has emerged as a key player for Stoke, netting nine goals and providing six assists this season. His versatility has been tested as he filled in as a makeshift right-back due to ongoing injury troubles.
Southampton’s Struggles
Southampton entered the season with high expectations after receiving parachute payments. However, they have only managed one win in their last nine Championship matches. A recent draw against local rivals Portsmouth ended 1-1, leaving them languishing in 15th place, seven points off the playoff pace.
- Last match: Drew 1-1 against Portsmouth
- Current Championship position: 15th
- Recent away form: 3 wins in 15 matches
Southampton’s squad depth has been undermined by injuries. Notably, playmaker Leo Scienza will be out until late February due to a groin injury. Adam Armstrong, their top scorer with 11 goals, is also being eyed by his former club Middlesbrough.
Team News
Stoke City’s injury issues continue to mount. Key players Ben Gibson, Ben Wilmot, and Junior Tchamadeu are sidelined, alongside midfielder Lewis Baker. The club’s first-choice goalkeepers, Viktor Johansson and Gavin Bazunu, are also unavailable, forcing young Tommy Simkin to start in goal.
Southampton’s lineup is also affected by injuries. Aside from Scienza, Samuel Edozie has yet to make an appearance this season due to a hamstring issue.
Probable Lineups
| Stoke City | Southampton |
|---|---|
| Simkin | Peretz |
| Thomas | Bree |
| Phillips | Harwood-Bellis |
| Talovierov | Stephens |
| Bocat | Wellington |
| Rigo | Downes |
| Nzonzi | Jander |
| Manhoef | Fellows |
| Seko | Azaz |
| Bae | Stewart |
| Smit | Armstrong |
Match Prediction
Given their strong defensive record, with Stoke securing the highest number of clean sheets in the division this season, they could secure a narrow victory. Southampton’s recent form suggests they are in danger of falling further behind in the playoff race.
The prediction for the match is a 1-0 win for Stoke City.
