Can Southampton still make the playoffs? If they have those aspirations then this feels like a must-win match. Stoke are only two points off the playoff places and a win here could put them inside the top six, at least for a few hours, whereas Saints would go within two points of Stoke if they can deliver a big away win.

🔤 All Football Tips | Stoke v Southampton Betting Stats

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📈 Stoke v Southampton Form & Tactics

Stoke are hanging on to the coattails of the top six having been firmly ensconced inside them for much of the first half of the season. Like much of the Championship they suffer from a bit of inconsistency, and come into this match off the back of no wins in three and snatching a draw at Birmingham last weekend despite being dominated in general play for the most part.

There isn't much to shout about in terms of their performance data either. The expected goals metric ranks Stoke down in 18th, though they have slightly overperformed that total jn terms of goals scored. They are also ranked 14th for expected goals against, but goalkeeper Victor Johansson has been excellent for them again this season in keeping the concession of goals down.

Saints ended their long winless run last week and then avoided defeat in the South Coast derby on Sunday, but it is fair to say that more is expected of this Southampton team than what they are showing at the moment.

They are still underperforming their xG by a considerable margin, 41 goals to 50 xG, and their expected goals total is actually the second best in the league. They are top of big chances missed, which perhaps points a little bit towards the reasons why the gap between their xG and goals totals exists.

📔 Stoke v Southampton Formation & Team News

The big guessing game is working out whether Milan Smit will start to make his debut. Undoubtedly we will see the new striker at some stage in the match, and the injury to Divin Mubama has forced Stoke's hand somewhat.

Outside of that we are expecting Stoke to lineup 4-2-3-1 with a somewhat makeshift back line due to injury. Sorba Thomas should continue at right-back as Junior Tchamadeu is still out, and Ben Wilmot and Ben Gibson are also missing, meaning that Maksym Talovierov is being used in his preferred central defensive position. Lewis Baker will also miss out and Tommy Simkin will have to deputise in goal again as Gavin Bazunu and Johansson are out.

The only major change for Southampton is around how they will adapt without Leo Scienza. The Brazilian has been their most influential player, so it is a blow. Ross Stewart may come in for him, albeit they are totally different players so it will mean a slight re-jig of their system up front.

There are no other suspensions or injuries for Tonda Eckert to deal with, but Saints may continue with a 4 at the back system having been successful with that last time out.

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* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.