Date: Saturday, 2nd November Venue: Britannia Stadium Kick-Off: 15:00 GMT Are Stoke the team to put an end to Southampton's dream run of form?
Match Preview
It has been an energy-drenching week for Stoke. After leading 2-1 at Old Trafford after 78 minutes, to come away with nothing will be gut-wrenching for Stoke, and then to nearly make a similar mistake at 10-men Championship side Birmingham will not do anything to help Stoke's chances against an inform Southampton. Stoke did finally prevail, albeit via penalties, against Birmingham, but it took 120 minutes for them to do so, and with Southampton not playing this week (their Capital One Cup tie vs Sunderland was rescheduled on request by Northumbria Police) it will certainly be a test of Stoke's fitness and resilience. And whilst Mark Hughes can be proud at the manner of his team's performance at Old Trafford, he will have to start picking up results soon with the relegation zone looming. Southampton by contrast on on a fantastic run of form, losing only one game this season, and recording a victory with a comprehensive victory vs Fulham, whilst keeping up their well-documented defensive record. The last time the two teams met was at St Mary's, where the only notable moment provided from the uninspiring 1-1 draw was the retirement of Michael Owen, who received a standing ovation from both sets of fans as he stepped off the pitch for the last time. The corresponding fixture last year at the Britannia was a far more explosive, were a stunning last-minute Cameron Jerome strike rescued 10-man Stoke a point in a highly entertaining 3-3 draw. That time though the roles were reversed, Southampton were struggling at the bottom half of the table, whilst Stoke were flying high on a great run a form. This time I wouldn't expect a high scoring game, where a goal-shy Stoke pit themselves up against the best defense in this season's Premiership.
Team News
Andy Wilkinson is out with a knee injury. Robert Huth is a doubt as he struggles with an ankle injury. Steve Davis and Dani Osvaldo both to face late fitness tests after missing last week's win over Fulham. Guly Do Prado is unlikely to be involved having picking up a knee injury in training.
Key Facts
Head-to-Head Last year's fixture between the teams at the Britannia ended in a 3-3 draw, which was the last time Stoke have scored more than 2 goals in a Premiership game. And since that fixture, Southampton have only twice conceded two or more goals in a Premiership game. Stoke City Stoke have gone 6 games without a win - a run longer than any other Premiership team (joint with Crystal Palace). This fixture will be Stoke's 200th Premiership game (winning 58, drawing 59 and losing 82). Out of all the players in the top 5 European leagues, Marko Arnuatovic has featured in the most games without winning since 2013. Stoke have the worst shot-to-goal conversion rate in the Premiership at 7.1% (joint with Norwich). Southampton Southampton are only the 12th Premiership team to have conceded 3 or less goals in their first 12 games. And none of those 12 teams have finished outside the top 6. Southampton have kept 5 clean sheets from their previous 6 games. The Saints total of 18 points so far this season is their best start to a Premiership season.
18 years old. Southampton FC season ticket holder. Keen writer and love sharing my opinions with others. Looking to gain experience before starting a Sports Journalism course at university in 2014.
