Southampton vs Stoke City

Southampton welcome Stoke City for what is their first meeting since last season, as they battle it out for a place in the next stage of the EFL Cup.

Key Stats

• Before last season, these two clubs hadn’t met since 2018 in the Premier League
• Both of these sides haven’t won any of their last four games
• Southampton are without a league win yet this season

Team Previews, Form and Standout Players

The meetings between these sides haven’t been glorious in recent history. But with both struggling in the league, the idea of a cup run will certainly be entertaining for both sides.

Southampton Preview

Southampton Predicted Line-up: Aaron Ramsdale; Ryan Manning, Jack Stephens, Jan Bednarek, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Kyle Walker-Peters; Mateus Fernandes, Adam Lallana, Flynn Downes, Tyler Dibling; Cameron Archer

Southampton have not been good this season. At all. They are one of the only sides to have not won a game yet in the Premier League. They have also scored the least amount of goals in the division (6), and have the joint worst goal difference.

A tie in the cup against lower tier opposition though, could favour them. They’re off the back of victories against Cardiff City and Everton in the previous rounds. Despite their league struggles, they’ve proven they can deliver in this competition.

A key player for the Saints is arguably Cameron Archer, having scored four goals so far in all competitions.

Stoke City Preview

Stoke City Predicted Line-up: Viktor Johansson; Enda Stevens, Ben Gibson, Ashley Phillips, Ben Wilmot, Junior Tchamadeu; Lewis Koumas, Wouter Burger, Andrew Moran, Million Manhoef; Thomas Cannon

Stoke City looked pretty flat to start the season. They surprisingly sacked Steven Schumacher and instead opted for Narcis Pelach as their new head coach. Since then, they’ve had some mixed results but are currently on a poor run.

Southampton haven’t been great, but they do have Premier League quality. Stoke will no doubt struggle against a side that has already defeated Everton and Cardiff.

Head-to-head Stats: Southampton vs Stoke City

These two teams last played each other in the Championship, before Southampton got promoted into the Premier League this season. Stoke City won the most recent fixture 1-0 despite being away from home.

27th April 2024 - Southampton 0-1 Stoke City - Championship

3rd October 2023 - Stoke City 0-1 Southampton - Championship

3rd March 2018 - Southampton 0-0 Stoke City - Premier League

30th September 2017 - Stoke City 2-1 Southampton - Premier League

21st May 2017 - Southampton 0-1 Stoke City - Premier League

Southampton vs Stoke City Prediction

We’re backing Southampton to win this match to nil. Through our bookmakers, you can get odds of 31/20 for this prediction. If successful, a £10 stake on this tip would return £25.50.

Southampton are by far the superior side for this tie. They showed that in the Championship last season and have done so already in this competition. Meanwhile, Stoke City are without a goal in their last four away games.

Final Prediction: Southampton vs Stoke City

Southampton 2-0 Stoke City