Southampton: Peter Crouch and Ryan Shawcross could be fit for the weekend
By Chris Hughes
Ahead of this weekend’s relegation six-pointer, Stoke City boss Paul Lambert has confirmed that two key players could return from injury.
Despite the fact that Southampton are three places above the Potters ahead of this Saturday’s game, just one point separates the two sides with the latter sitting 19th.
Therefore, the Saints cannot go into this weekend’s match complacent, as if results go against them they could easily be in Stoke’s place by end of play.
The importance of the fixture is only emphasised by the fact that Stoke could have two important players return to fitness this Saturday, although Paul Lambert has confirmed that both will still be judged closer to kick-off.
The Stoke manager will benefit greatly from the return of experienced striker Peter Crouch, with the 37-year-old scoring the deciding goal late in the reverse fixture at the Bet365 Stadium.
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Striking in the 85th minute, Crouch’s goal added to one scored late in the first half from Mame Diouf, before Maya Yoshida brilliantly brought the Saints level in the 75th minute.
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The lanky forward’s return comes after a lay-off of around a month, meaning he’ll almost certainly be limited to a bench role and come on for impact in the latter stages – something the Saints and manager Mauricio Pellegrino need to be wary of.
Meanwhile Ryan Shawcross will add well-needed experience at the back, having been absent for Stoke’s 1-1 with Leicester this past weekend.
Having their captain back in addition to losing just one of their last five could spur the Potters on, meaning Pellegrino will need to make sure his players are aware of what is expected from this weekend.
Southampton left it late against Burnley last time out and know that their next month of football could very well determine whether or not they survive in the Premier League come May.