Predicted Stoke City Line-up Vs Southampton- Mark Hughes To Go Back To The Basics?

Stoke City will be hurting after a 1-3 loss against Arsenal in what was their 2^nd loss in 4 matches. After a horrible start to the season, the Potters had managed a 6-match unbeaten run which propelled them up the ladder. The Potters have an abundance of attacking threat but their defensive frailties and issues in midfield have not allowed them to settle in terms of consistency and threat. The likes of Arnautovic and Shaqiri haven’t been on fire as their skill set and flair promise and with the failure of Bony to adjust to his new teammates till now, they haven’t settled on a set eleven yet. They have also been hit with regular injuries and it has also prevented Mark Hughes from using his tactics with the best personnel at his disposal.

They will be up against Southampton at the Bet365 Stadium. The Saints are coming off a solid 1-0 win over Middlesbrough and will look to make things difficult for the Stoke side. The Saints have been brilliant defensively and will be confident of keeping the likes of Diouf and Arnautovic. The duo of Van Dijk and Fonte have been almost impenetrable and they have conceded the fewest number of chances this season.

PREDICTED STOKE CITY XI VS SOUTHAMPTON (4-2-3-1)

DEFENCE

Lee Grant will hope to keep a clean sheet. He has filled in admirably for Butland and his performances have been a bonus for the Potters. He has kept Given out of the team and that in itself is an achievement. Johnson will be at right-back and will look to regain his form, the best of which has been missing for a long time. Bruno Martins Indi will line up at centre-back and will most likely be partnered by Muniesa. Shawcross is out with injury and will be missed. Eric Pieters will be at left-back and has to be alert and offer balance on the left.

MIDFIELD

Hughes has changed his formation around but he will most likely go with a double pivot. Charlie Adam has made a belated entry to the team again and will most likely line up in midfield. Imbula is likely to be his partner. He had impressed initially before going off the boil a few weeks back. Joe Allen will be in the No.10 role and look to continue his encouraging displays.

ATTACK

Arnautovic will be on the left-flank with Shaqiri probably on the right side. Hughes has the option to use Diouf or Bony up top.