The fourth round of the League Cup takes place this midweek and Southampton have a great opportunity to claim a rate win this season with a home fixture at home to Stoke.
Southampton have failed to win a single Premier League game since being promoted, with their sole victory in the new campaign coming in the League Cup against Cardiff. They face a Stoke side that are close to the relegation zone in the Championship.
Match Preview
Southampton Recent Form
Russell Martin's side are rock bottom of the Premier League, with just one point taken from their opening nine matches. They have lost four in a row against Bournemouth, Arsenal, Leicester and Southampton.
Their more positive results this season have come in the League Cup as in August they beat Cardiff 5-3 in Round Two, while in Round Three they successfully progressed on penalties after a 1-1 draw away at Everton.
Southampton Injury News
Gavin Bazunu, Ross Stewart and Will Smallbone are injured, while there are concerns over Flynn Downes and Charlie Taylor.
Martin will serve a touchline ban after his booking against Man City, though Ryan Fraser is available again after serving a suspension of his own.
Last Southampton Lineup
Here's how Southampton lined up against Man City.
Stoke Recent Form
Stoke aren't in good form either and have just one victory to their name from their last nine games in all competitions, and that came in emphatic fashion in the Championship as they beat Portsmouth 6-1.
In the league, they have drawn three out of their last four and lost 2-0 against Sheffield United this past weekend.
Stoke Injury News
Sam Gallagher, Bosun Lawal, Lynden Gooch and Ben Pearson are all out for Stoke but all should be back within the next couple of weeks.
Last Stoke Lineup
Here's how Stoke lined up against Sheffield Utd.
Southampton - Player To Watch
Adam Armstrong was Southampton's top scorer in their promotion season and even scored the vital goal in the playoff that saw them reach the Premier League. He has been in and out of the team in the new campaign, but will surely be given an opportunity from the start on Tuesday.
Stoke - Player To Watch
Leicester loanee Thomas Cannon is Stoke's top goalscorer this season, but it remains to be seen if he is rested for this one as Narcis Pelach may look to rotate his starting XI from league duties.
Southampton vs Stoke - Prediction
Southampton will be targeting this game for victory not only to progress in the League Cup but to quite simply reclaim some kind of confidence after constant defeats in the Premier League. They are at a low ebb, but so are Stoke.
Scoreline prediction - Southampton 2-1 Stoke
Southampton vs Stoke - Betting Tips
Adam Armstrong to Score
Armstrong started Southampton's last League Cup game so there is a good chance he'll start here. Last season, he scored 24 goals in the Championship and for this game he faces Championship opposition.







