Premier League: Southampton v Stoke match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at St Mary’s

Asmir Begovic scored the last time Southampton played Stoke (GETTY IMAGES)

Southampton welcome Stoke, who are looking to build on their excellent 2-1 win over struggling Manchester United at Britannia on Saturday. The Potters are currently 11th in the Premier League but such is the density in the bottom half that only three points separate them from 18th. Their first ever Premier League win against the Red Devils should give them a boost.

Facing Stoke, however, is a very difficult task at St Mary's. Southampton have lost just three times at home this season and have rediscovered some form in January, after what was a difficult December. If their 3-0 mauling of Fulham on Saturday is anything to go by, they will be up for this test with their England hopefuls of Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez firing on all cylinders.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Stoke 1 (Begovic) Southampton 1 (Rodriguez), Premier League, November 2013

Southampton 1 (Lambert) Stoke 1 (Crouch), Premier League, May 2013

Stoke 3 (Jones, Upson, Jerome) Southampton 3 (Lambert, Rodriguez, Wilkinson OG)

STATS…

The last time the clubs met Stoke goalkeeper Asmir Begovic got on the scoresheet with a long punt after just 13 seconds.

In Southampton's last four games either Adam Lallana or Jay Rodriguez, or both, have been on the scoresheet.

Stoke's away record of 1 win, two draws and nine losses is the worst in the league.

Southampton's home, away and overall record this season rank them ninth in the league.

ODDS…

Southampton to win: 1.58

Stoke to win: 7.8

Draw: 4.1

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm