An exciting Carabao Cup match sees Southampton welcome Stoke City, both of whom seek quarterfinal berths. The hosts may have the worst position in the Premier League, while the Saints have been resilient in this tournament, seeking to advance to the quarterfinals for a fourth time in eleven years. The visitors would be trying to extend their unbeaten streak at St. Mary’s, having defeated the hosts 1-0 in the same venue last April.
Match Preview:
Not that Southampton have negotiated two thrilling rounds so far in the Carabao Cup. First, the Saints had to see off Cardiff in a 5-3 thriller, before cruising through against Everton in a penalty shootout where they coolly struck all six of their spot-kicks at Goodison Park. Despite the cup success, the Saints face an uphill task in the Premier League, as manager Russell Martin’s team has only won one point so far. After showing a fight at Manchester City with a spirited 1-0 defeat, Southampton will now face two crucial league matches against Everton and Wolves, but for now, they will try to avoid any upset and advance through the EFL Cup.
While Stoke City have overcome away wins over Carlisle and Middlesbrough before edging out Fleetwood on penalties. Stoke have reached this stage of the competition a mere four times since 1978, and the best run in recent years was a semifinal in 2015/16, where they were eliminated by Liverpool. Currently 19th in the EFL Championship, just one point clear of relegation, Stoke’s new manager Narcís Pèlach has had a slow start with just one win in his first six games, but they’ll aim to notch their statement win at St. Mary’s.
Southampton vs Stoke City: Head-to-Head Record
Total Matches: 81
Southampton Wins: 35
Draws: 15
Stoke City Wins: 31,
Team News
Southampton News
Russell Martin has often made wholesale changes in the Carabao Cup and with the crucial visit of Everton in the Premier League looming, he’s likely to do the same here. Alex McCarthy could start in goal as Aaron Ramsdale is rested. Defenders James Bree and Nathan Wood are cup action regulars and should return to the starting lineup, as should attacking options Maxwel Cornet, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Adam Armstrong. Meanwhile, midfielders Will Smallbone and Ross Stewart are ruled out due to injuries. Ryan Fraser may earn his recall after sitting out a suspension.
Player to Watch: Adam Armstrong
Having netted 24 times last season, the Saints’ striker has not opened his account for this campaign. Up against a Championship defense, he’ll be keen to find the back of the net.
Stoke City Team News
Manager Narcís Pèlach may also ring in changes as the important league fixture against Derby awaits them on Saturday. The most obvious to retain a starting spot in goal is the Swedish international Viktor Johansson as he is putting up an impressive and consistent performance so far this season. Eric Bocat, Bae Jun-ho, Jordan Thompson, and Emre Tezgel may get starting places with Sam Gallagher being unfit and out of the game because of a prior injury.
Player to Watch: Million Manhoef
Stoke’s joint-top scorer with four goals, Manhoef scored twice in Stoke’s impressive 5-0 win over Middlesbrough in this competition. He’ll be looking to add to his tally against Premier League opposition.
Predicted Lineups
Stoke City Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):
Johansson; Wilmot, Phillips, Gibson, Bocat; Burger, Thompson; Manhoef, Koumas, Bae Jun-ho; Tezgel.
Predicted Southampton lineup (4-2-3-1):McCarthy; Bree, Wood, Bednarek, Manning; Ugochukwu, Downes; Aribo, Sulemana, Cornet; Armstrong.
Player to Watch: Million Manhoef
Stoke’s joint-top scorer with four goals, Manhoef scored twice in Stoke’s impressive 5-0 win over Middlesbrough in this competition. He’ll be looking to add to his tally against Premier League opposition.
Prediction
Both teams should come with rotated lineups, but the superior depth in the Southampton squad gives them the advantage. It is likely to be a full-on battle, with the Saints riding their home advantage and looking to outlast Stoke City.
Predicted Score: Southampton 3-1 Stoke City
