Southampton v Stoke City: Preview

Form, injuries, predicted line-ups and more

Southampton will be looking to make it three wins in a row when they host Stoke City at St Mary's on Saturday. The Saints have enjoyed a resurgence in form under new boss Nathan Jones, winning their last two matches against Everton and Lincoln City.

Stoke, meanwhile, are without a win in their last five matches and are languishing in 19th place in the Championship table. Alex Neil's side will be desperate to get back to winning ways, but they face a tough task against a Southampton side who are full of confidence.

Team News

Southampton have no fresh injury concerns, but Romeo Lavia and Tino Livramento remain sidelined. Stoke, meanwhile, will be without Harry Souttar, Josh Laurent and Lewis Baker.

Predicted Line-ups

Southampton: Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Bella-Kotchap, Salisu, Perraud; Ward-Prowse, Lavia, Diallo; Elyounoussi, A. Armstrong, Edozie

Stoke: Bursik; Smith, Fox, Wilmot, Sterling; Thompson, Baker, Allen; Brown, Gayle, Delap

Key Battle

The key battle in this match is likely to be between Southampton's midfield and Stoke's attack. Southampton have a strong midfield, led by James Ward-Prowse, and they will be looking to control the game in the middle of the park.

Stoke, on the other hand, have a dangerous attack, led by Jacob Brown and Tyrese Campbell. If Stoke can get their attackers into the game, they will have a chance of causing Southampton problems.

Prediction

Southampton are in good form and will be confident of beating Stoke at home. The Saints have a strong team and they will be looking to continue their good run under Nathan Jones.

Stoke, meanwhile, are struggling for form and they will need to improve if they want to avoid relegation. The Potters have a tough task on their hands against Southampton, and it is difficult to see them getting anything from the game.

Prediction: Southampton 2-0 Stoke