Stoke are unbeaten in four visits to Southampton, 1-0 winners at St Mary's as recently as April, so can they knock out the Premier League side?
Southampton vs Stoke City Preview
Southampton may be rooted to the foot of the Premier League table, but are on the cusp of reaching the Carabao Cup quarter-finals for the fourth time in 11 seasons. So far in this competitions, the Saints have overcome Cardiff 5-3, prevailing in a thriller in South Wales, before ousting Everton on penalties last month, converting all six spot-kicks at Goodison.
In the Premier League meantime, Russell Martin's team are finding victories much harder to come by, currently rock-bottom of the table with just a point to their name. On Saturday, the Saints were spirited during a 1-0 defeat at Manchester City, but that doesn't count for much, and their next two fixtures, facing Everton on Saturday and Wolves a week later, could be season-defining. Before then, can Southampton avoid an upset and book their place in the last eight of the EFL Cup?
Stoke City meantime have enjoyed away wins at Carlisle and Middlesbrough, before overcoming Fleetwood 2-1 on penalties, in this tournament so far. The Potters have only gone beyond this stage on four occasions since 1978, their best run since winning the League Cup 52 years ago coming in 2015/16, beaten by Liverpool in the semis. Right now of course, Stoke are enduring a seventh successive season in the EFL Championship, currently all the way down in 19th, just a point clear of the relegation zone, following Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Sheffield United.
New manager Narcís Pèlach, who was appointed on 18 September, has won only one of six matches in charge, not exactly enjoying the new manager bounce he would've been hoping for. So, despite their own struggles, a Southampton victory at St Mary's seems to be the most-likely outcome.
Southampton vs Stoke City Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 81.
- Southampton Wins: 35. Draws: 15. Stoke City Wins: 31.
Southampton Team News
Russell Martin has rotated his team in the EFL Cup so far and, with fellow-strugglers Everton visiting the South Coast on Saturday, is set to do so again. Two different goalkeepers, namely Joe Lumley and Alex McCarthy, have featured in the League Cup so far, with the latter likely to be rotated in again, giving usual number one Aaron Ramsdale a breather. Defenders James Bree and Nathan Wood have also been Carabao Cup mainstays, without seeing much league action, while Maxwel Cornet, Kamaldeen Sulemana and Adam Armstrong are also likely to come in. Will Smallbone and Ross Stewart are out injured, but Ryan Fraser could return, having served his one-match ban at the weekend.
Southampton predicted lineup vs Stoke City: (4-2-3-1): McCarthy; Bree, Wood, Bednarek, Manning; Ugochukwu, Downes, Aribo, Sulemana, Cornet; Armstrong.
Southampton Player to Watch vs Stoke City
Adam Armstrong scored 24 goals last season, but is yet to get off the mark this time round, so up against Championship opposition, can he get off the mark?
Stoke City Team News
Narcís Pèlach may also have half an eye on Saturday's meeting with Derby, so will make changes to his team too. Goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, who's Sweden's number one these days, has started 14 of 15 fixtures so far this season, set to be donning the gloves again. Eric Bocat, Bae Jun-ho, Jordan Thompson and Emre Tezgel are likely to come into the team from the weekend, while Sam Gallagher is injured.
Stoke City predicted lineup vs Southampton: (4-2-3-1): Johansson; Wilmot, Phillips, Gibson, Bocat; Burger, Thompson, Manhoef, Koumas, Bae Jun-ho; Tezgel.
Stoke City Player to Watch vs Southampton
Million Manhoef is Stoke's joint-top scorer this season with four, two of which came during the 5-0 hammering of Middlesbrough in this competition, so can he add to his tally?
Southampton vs Stoke City Prediction
We're fully expecting Southampton to win this one. Both sides will make changes to their usual starting lineups and the Saints boast far more squad depth, making a home win likely: Southampton 3-1 Stoke City.
Southampton vs Stoke City FAQs - Carabao Cup
How to watch Southampton vs Stoke City Carabao Cup game on TV channel?
Southampton vs Stoke City Carabao Cup game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports+
- USA: Paramount+ & CBS Sports Golazo.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Southampton vs Stoke City Carabao Cup game on live streaming?
Southampton vs Stoke City Carabao Cup game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Sky Sports+
- USA: Paramount+ & CBS Sports Golazo.
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Southampton vs Stoke City in the Carabao Cup?
Southampton vs Stoke City takes place on Tuesday 29 October 2024, with kick off at 19:45 (GMT), 15:45 (ET) & 12:45 (PDT).