Stoke have gone three games without winning
Southampton have drawn two of their last three Championship away games
Recommended bet: Draw
Stoke are continuing to manage a mid-season injury crisis as they prepare to face Southampton in a key contest for both sides.
Expectations among Stoke supporters were raised after the Potters piled up the points in the early weeks of the campaign.
But wins have been harder to come by in recent months and there was appreciation for a hard-earned point last weekend when Mark Robins’ patched up side drew 1-1 at Birmingham.
Stoke’s point at St Andrew’s keeps them within striking distance of the top six.
And their chances of an extended season look stronger than 15th-placed Southampton, who continue to struggle for consistency.
Saints were expected to be among the division’s big-hitters, but they have won nine of 29 matches and suffered another setback last weekend when drawing 1-1 at bitter rivals Portsmouth.
Team news
Stoke are still hampered by multiple injuries and are especially stretched in defence with Ben Gibson (hamstring), Ben Wilmot (leg) and Junior Tchamadeu (knee) on the sidelines.
Influential midfielder Lewis Baker (ankle) and striker Divin Mubama (ankle) are also ruled out alongside goalkeepers Viktor Johansson (ankle) and Gavin Bazunu (thigh). Tommy Simkin should start between the sticks for a third successive game.
Southampton are reeling from the news that playmaker Leo Scienza faces a spell on the sidelines due to a groin injury sustained during last Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Portsmouth. Samuel Edozie (hamstring), Oriol Romeu (ankle) and Mads Roerslev (knee) are also out of contention.
The latest Stoke vs Southampton odds are available on LiveScore Bet
The stats
All of Stoke’s last 11 games have featured less than four goals.
The Potters have scored the first goal in four of their last six fixtures.
Stoke have not won any of their last four home league matches.
Southampton have won only one of their last nine league games.
Saints have gone 16 away matches without keeping a clean sheet.
Both teams have scored in ten of Southampton’s last 13 fixtures.
Prediction
Stoke showed plenty of spirit in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Birmingham and they can secure another point at home to Southampton.
The Potters played without a recognised centre-forward last Saturday but are in a stronger position this weekend with new signing Milan Smit hoping to make his first appearance for the club.
However, the next few weeks could still be hard going for the Staffordshire side, who need to hang onto their promotion dream while key players work their way back to fitness.
Southampton are taking on the Potters at a good time, but they seem to have lost the winning knack.
Tonda Eckert’s side are winless in six on their Championship travels and they may have to settle for a point in the Potteries.
Back the draw at 43/20 with LiveScore Bet
The latest Stoke vs Southampton odds are available on LiveScore Bet
