Matters off the pitch have dominated the build-up to Southampton's final Premier League fixture against Stoke City as concerns surround manager Mauricio Pochettino.

The 41-year-old revealed yesterday that he will walk away from the club he joined midway through the season if chairman Nicola Cortese leaves his post.

The Italian chief is expected to make a decision on his future with the club within the month following reports that he has not been given assurances from the outfit's owners with regards to plans for the team.

However, on the pitch, the Saints have secured their Premier League status by currently sitting five points away from the relegation zone, while Stoke could finish in the top 10 with a win at St Mary's this Sunday.

Rickie Lambert is expected to lead the line for Southampton on home turf, while Stoke manager Tony Pulis could place Geoff Cameron in midfield as a replacement for the suspended Charlie Adam.

Recent form

Southampton: DLLDD

Stoke City: LDWWL

Possible starting lineups

Southampton: Boruc; Clyne, Fonte, Hooiveld, Shaw; Cork, Schneiderlin, S Davis, Rodriguez; Lallana; Lambert

Stoke City: Begovic; Huth, Wilson, Shawcross, Shotton; NZonzi, Cameron, Whitehead, Etherington; Crouch, Walters

Sports Mole says: 2-1

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