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Southampton vs. Stoke City: Saints host Potters in relegation six-pointer

By Ben Whitlock

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 17: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides first gocelebrates scoring his sides first try during the The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round between West Bromwich Albion v Southampton at The Hawthorns on February 17, 2018 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 17: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Southampton celebrates with teammates after scoring his sides first gocelebrates scoring his sides first try during the The Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round between West Bromwich Albion v Southampton at The Hawthorns on February 17, 2018 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /
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Saints host Stoke this Saturday for a huge game at the bottom of the Premier League table.

Both sides will be looking to pick up three vital points to help cement their place in the top flight of English football for another season.

Saints will start the game sat in 16th place, on 27 points. Three places below them in 19th, sit Stoke, only one point behind the hosts.

Both sides have been among the biggest under performers this season, and will be looking to make amend  for their sloppy results of late.

Stoke  came out victorious when the two sides met earlier in the season, thanks to a late Peter Crouch goal.

The two teams played out a 1-1 draw in their last fixtures, with the Saints sharing the points with Burnley, while Stoke’s honours were even with Leicester.

A win could take Saints up to 13th, and they will be eager to make a home fixture count.

Next: Should youngsters feature more next season?

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southampton looks on ahead of the Premier League match between Burnley and Southampton at Turf Moor on February 24, 2018 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southampton looks on ahead of the Premier League match between Burnley and Southampton at Turf Moor on February 24, 2018 in Burnley, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /

Why Southampton will win

Despite playing extremely poorly last time out against Burnley, Saints will be looking to come out and prove a point to the home fans.

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Their last few games have been more promising, with more chances being created, and I think that Saints have more quality then Stoke throughout the pitch, and will use this at their advantage to get all three points.

Why Stoke will win

Despite sitting in 19th, Stoke have a better squad then the majority of the teams around them.  If Stoke can capitalise on Saints’ mistakes and sloppy play then they will be more than capable of taking all three points.

Predicted line ups

Southampton

Goalkeeper: McCarthy

Defenders: Soares, Stephens, Hoedt, Bertrand

Midfielders: Hojbjerg, Lemina, Ward-Prowse, Tadic, Boufal

Striker: Gabbiadini

Stoke:

Goalkeeper: Butland

Defenders:  Bauer, Zouma, Martins Indi, Stafylidis

Midfielders: Cameron, Shaqiri, Allen, Ndiaye, Choupo-Moting

Striker: Diouf

Prediction: Southampton 2-0 Stoke City

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