Fresh from the impressive 3-0 triumph over Fulham at Craven Cottage, Southampton will be hoping for more of the same when they host one of league’s worst travellers. Stoke City seriously boosted their survival chances with a somewhat fortunate victory over Manchester United, but they, nonetheless, face an uphill task at St Mary’s.

The Saints are back

Southampton were able to build on what had been a very promising season and they enjoyed a bright start to the new campaign, hinted they might even be able to mount a serious challenge for European positions. The team then suffered a huge dip in form near the end of the year, losing six of nine league matches, but they have since managed to return to the right track. The hard-fought FA Cup triumph over Burnley ended the dismal run of results, and the Saints in turn succeeded in improving their league position as well. While sharing spoils with revived Sunderland and Premier League leaders Arsenal, Mauricio Pochettino’s side defeated West Brom and Fulham to cement a place in the top half of the standings. And even if two important players Lovren and Ramirez picked up serious injuries, the Saints appear to have managed to compensate, with 3-0 away win over Fulham proving they are on top of their game at the moment. Taking also into account that Ricky Lambert has finally rediscovered his form, while Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana continue to impress, Southampton look a good bet against travel-sick Stoke.

Gaston Ramirez and Dejan Lovren continue to miss out, whilst Callum Chambers is doubtful and Nathaniel Clyne is back.

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Great time to end a losing run

Stoke City have been showing a great deal of promise under new boss Mark Hughes, but the poor run of results at the turn of the year seriously threatened to ruin their Premiership campaign. Having picked up just one point from six league matches, the Potters slipped into the danger zone and went into the Manchester United clash on the back of a four-match losing run in all competitions that also saw them crash out of the FA Cup. Stoke City, nevertheless, ended up recording a very important victory thanks to some hard work and a smile from the Lady Luck, but that does not mean they have plenty of reason for optimism as they prepare for the clash at St Mary’s. Together with Hull City, the Potters boast the worst away record in the Premier League, having lost 9 of 12 fixtures on the road this season. And considering that they will now be facing a top table side who appear to be in excellent form, everything suggests the trend is going to continue. The visitors also have some important missings and that only adds to the worries.

Steven N’Zonzi returns from suspension, but Robert Huth, Matthew Etherington and Andy Wilkinson are out injured.

Verdict

Southampton are firing on all cylinders at the moment and having impressed to beat Fulham away, surely they can continue the good run against league’s worst travellers. Stoke City may have beaten United last time out, but they have yet to find a cure for their travel sickness and I, therefore, cannot see them getting anything from this clash.

Top pick: Home win   1.57 (4/7) @ Ladbrokes

Alternative pick 1: Southampton/Southampton   2.38 (11/8) @ William Hill

Alternative pick 2: Southampton to win to nil   2.30 (13/10) @ Paddy Power