Southampton vs Stoke Prediction & Betting Tips - Championship

Prediction published on 27/04/2024, 01:47  by Daniel Ngulu in Championship Predictions

Southampton are confined to seeking promotion through the playoffs but will hope to sign off the regular season in style. In their penultimate Championship game this Saturday, fourth placed Southampton host 17th placed Stoke City. For a while, Southampton looked like they’d seriously challenge for automatic promotion but a recent slump did them in. Rising above the three sides above them was always going to be a daunting task, but their recent dip is a serious concern. There’s no denying the Saints’ confidence has dropped, and Russell Martin must find a way to lift his charges. If the second half collapse against Cardiff City was considered a one-off, the Saints’ 5-0 loss to Leicester City left a huge worry. They were completely outplayed by Leicester and in the final two games, they’ll have to show willingness to compete in the playoffs. Those two away matches just about confirmed their struggles on the road. Southampton will thus be glad to return home for this game. Before those two defeats, they had three straight wins, all coming in consecutive home matches.

Stoke City’s stay in the Championship isn’t guaranteed as yet, though they come to this game with 50 points. They are just four points above the drop zone, with two matches to play. Their last meeting with Southampton was the first since the two clashed in the Premier League in 2018. Hosting that October meeting, Stoke City fell 1-0 courtesy of Stuart Armstrong’s strike. Ahead of this game, they boosted their survival chances with a 3-0 win over Plymouth Argyle. That was their first win and clean sheet in five matches and returning on the road, they’ll hope they can build on it. A win here will secure their stay in the Championship for the next 12 months. The Potters have failed to win any of their last two away matches. Five defeats in eight away matches isn’t the best run to carry into this game, and that places them as underdogs. In 22 away matches in the Championship, Stoke City managed just six wins.