Premier League is set for a mouth-watering mid-table clash on Wednesday when Southampton visit Stoke City. Although both the teams have floundered occasionally against both bigger and weaker teams, they are in real contention for the European qualifications, despite the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United competing with them for those spots.
While Southampton will be riding high after a morale-boosting win over a crippled Middlesbrough side, Stoke City have a bit of a concern with their form. The Potters threw away a one goal lead away at Emirates when Arsenal came back from one goal down to win the match 3-1.
Team News
Stoke City
Stoke City is expected to have a huge boost as one of their best players, Ibrahim Afellay, has returned to the training and is expected to play against Southampton, if not start. Jonathan Walters missed the last match against Arsenal with injury and Hughes had to deploy Arnautovic in the centre forward position. Jack Butland is also closing in on the return. Although Marc Muniesa and Glenn Johnson were also injured in the match, they are expected to return for the match.
Stoke City will still be without Stephen Ireland, Phil Bardsley, Ryan Shawcross and Geoff.
Southampton
Southampton are likely to place the same team against Stoke with a minor change in the attacking third replacing Tadic with Redmond. Tadic looked seriously out of touch since returning from injury. Redmond is likely to take his place on the wings.
Matt Targett, Alex McCarthy and Florin Gardos are closing in on a return as well. However, Southampton will definitely be without Jeremy Pied and Charlie Austin, who are both on the long-term injury list.
Predicted Lineups
Stoke City- Grant; Pieters, Muniesa, Martins Indi, Johnson; Adam, Imbula; Arnautovic, Allen, Shaqiri; Diouf
Southampton- Forster; McQueen, Van Dijk, Fonte, Soares; Romeu; Clasie, Ward; Boufal, Diouf, Redmond
Key Players
Stoke City- Marko Arnautovic looked dangerous at times against Arsenal’s defence and Hughes now knows how to use him best. His physique makes him eligible for a centre-forward and his speed and elusiveness make him a decent option as a winger too. He could be a major threat for Soares on that left flank. Shaqiri will be another player who could do maximum damage to the Southampton defence.
Southampton- After his world-class goal in the last match against Boro, Boufal is surely the hot favourite to repeat his feat against Stoke. He is brimming with confidence and his close ball control has drawn applauds from critics. At the back, Van Dijk could be an impactful enforcer for the Saints.
Odds
Stoke City @ 3.10
Draw @ 3.30
Southampton @ 2.50
