Southampton host early Championship leaders Stoke City in a game that will be a test of both sides early season good form, making it hard to call which team will prevail on the south coast and come away with a win.
EFL Championship
Our Three Predictions For Southampton v Stoke City
Prediction 1 – Southampton To Win – 3/4
Prediction 2 – Both Teams To Score – Yes – 7/4
Prediction 3 – Match To End In A Draw – 11/4
First Prediction For Southampton v Stoke City – Southampton To Win – 3/4
Southampton have had an early adventure on their return to the Championship, but are unbeaten with a win and a draw, and looking at the facts they were given a tough start with a game against Wrexham on opening day, two stoppage time goals winning the game, and a home match against Ipswich Town, a 1-1 stalemate. Not many have had a tougher first two games, so to come out those relatively unscathed is solid. Stoke City sit on top after two matches, but the opposition have been on the opposite end of the spectrum with a 3-1 win over Derby County, and 3-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday. So, even though Stoke have six goals, and six points, this trip to the south coast could be too much against a hardened Southampton.
Second Prediction For Southampton v Stoke City – Both Teams To Score – Yes – 7/4
Late goals saved the Saints on opening day, and they got another goal in a tight game at Ipswich. With three on the board already they will be confident of adding more in this home fixture, but they will be wary to keep the door shut at the back as well against the leagues top scorers. Just two games in and the Potters have six goals, so a healthy start but this will be the first real test against a Saints side that are looking to rebound after relegation. With two goals conceded there will be chances for the visitors and they could well spring a surprise, but the home team are proving resilient and should also find their way to light up the scoreboard.
Third Prediction For Southampton v Stoke City – Match To End In A Draw – 11/4
Southampton have proved they are going to be one of the teams that will be hard to beat. The late show to win their opening game, and then digging in for a point to back that win up is testament to that. They will want to make a statement win here, but are coming up against a Stoke team that is high on confidence, and not only will they want to stay top of the league, they will want to maintain their top scorers status. This could mean that both cancel each other out though, and even though there could be goals in the game, it may be that both settle for a point in a free flowing close match.
Best Odds For Southampton v Stoke City
| Bookmaker | Southampton Win | Draw | Stoke Win |
| MyriadPlay | 3/4 | 11/4 | 7/2 |
| GentlemanJim | 4/6 | 14/5 | 15/4 |
| Betarno | 71/100 | 27/10 | 37/10 |
Full Preview Of The Game: Last Results And Head To Head
Will Still has perhaps ridden his luck so far but with four points from the first two games, he will be happy enough given the opposition faced. Wrexham and Ipswich were never going to be easy, so with a home game against Stoke this may well be the chance to express themselves a little more. Even though the visitors are riding high at the top. 18 year old Jay Robinson is repaying the faith shown in him by Still, and a vital goal already under his belt he could be the one to watch here. Jack Stephens has been a rock at the back and also has a goal to his stat sheet. German defender Joshua Quarshie is also playing above his 21 years, and with Shea Charles turning in two good performances the foundations are definitely there for this group.
It should come as no surprise that Mark Robins has his Stoke City team playing hugely entertaining football, scoring goals, winning games, and maybe more importantly keeping things tight at the back. This is the first time they come against a real contender for promotion though, and they may not be fazed, but will be cautious. Million Manhoef and Divin Mubama have scored twice each, and Sorba Thomas has one but his three assists have been key for the team in attack so far. They may not match the three goals in each game so far, but it is evident this is where the early season strength is. In defence Ben Wilmot and Aaron Cresswell have been solid and Viktor Johansson has only let in one goal so far.
Confrontation
Where To Watch Southampton v Stoke City
Location: St Marys Stadium, Southampton, Hampshire
Date And Time: August 23, 3pm
TV Channel: This match is not due to be televised live
Probable Lineups For Southampton v Stoke City
Probable Lineup For Southampton
Team: Bazunu; Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Quarshie; Fraser, Downes, Charles, Welington; Fernandes, Robinson; Armstrong
Manager: Will Still
Probable Lineup For Stoke City
Team: Johansson; Tchamadeu, Lawal, Wilmot, Cresswell; Baker, Seko; Manhoef, Jun-Ho, Thomas; Mubama
Manager: Mark Robins
