Stoke vs Southampton predictions: Resurgent Saints can pick off Potters
- Southampton have scored in eight of their 10 matches this season
- Stoke have lost their last two Championship home fixtures
- Recommended bet: Southampton to win
Southampton stopped the rot on Saturday with a superb 3-1 success at home to Leeds and they will be looking for another maximum at the bet365 Stadium as they aim to reinvigorate their Championship promotion challenge.
Russell Martin's side were among the pre-season title favourites but were beaten four times last month as opposing teams got to grips with their possession-based approach.
Stoke were also fancied to push towards the top end of the table but they have fallen below expectations in the first two months of the season.
The Potters had endured a winless September until Saturday when coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory at Bristol City.
Team news
Stoke left back Lynden Gooch (hamstring) was forced off during Saturday's win at Bristol City.
Wouter Berger (hamstring) came off the bench at Ashton Gate but Tyrese Campbell (hamstring), Andre Vidigal (unspecified injury), Ryan Mmaee (hamstring) and Enda Stevens (calf) remain sidelined.
Southampton striker Ross Stewart (Achilles) is still building up his match fitness and Jack Stephens (calf) and Juan Larios (muscle strain) are unavailable.
Saints' manager Martin has hinted at making a few changes as he aims to keep players fresh during the busy schedule.
The stats
Stoke have lost four of their last six Championship fixtures, including each of their last two matches at the bet365 Stadium.
The Potters have conceded the opening goal in each of their last six games.
In each of their last four league matches, Stoke have conceded inside the opening half.
Southampton had lost four matches in succession until Saturday's victory at home to Leeds.
Eight of Southampton's 10 fixtures this season have featured goals for both teams and nine of them have generated at least three goals.
Prediction
Southampton have renewed belief after their impressive 3-1 success over Leeds and they can follow up by defeating Stoke in the Potteries.
Successful teams are capable of winning in different ways and Southampton showed their flexibility at the weekend by refining their possession-based approach.
For the first time this season, Russell Martin's side had a lower possession share (47 per cent) than their opponents.
But they looked much more solid in defence and were worthy winners thanks to three very well worked goals.
Adam Armstrong's double took his seasonal tally to seven and he looks an obvious threat to a Stoke side which has gone eight matches without keeping a clean sheet.
Stoke are unlikely to keep Southampton at bay and may struggle to make much of an impact at the other end.
Alex Neil's side have scored just two goals in the last three Championship home fixtures and they will remain short of offensive quality while injured attacking trio Tyrese Campbell, Andre Vidigal and Ryan Mmaee remain on the sidelines.
They rode their luck to win 2-1 at Bristol City on Saturday but look ill-equipped to cope with the resurgent Saints.
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