Southampton will resume their battle to secure European football for next season in their clash against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.
Ronald Koeman's men are one point behind Liverpool in fifth place as they take on the out-of-form Potters on Saturday.
Stoke
© Getty Images
Mark Hughes's men have had yet another solid campaign in the Premier League as they currently reside in 10th place in the top flight, well away from the drama at the foot of the table.
The Potters have been consistent throughout the season and have never looked in any danger due to the solid job Hughes has done at the club, while they have also taken the scalps of Manchester City and Arsenal in the campaign.
Three victories on the spin in February and March over Aston Villa, Hull City and Everton gave the club the security they need to ensure they couldn't get dragged into a relegation battle at the end of the season as it lifted them over the 40-point mark.
However, since then victories have been hard to come by as the club lost three matches on the bounce before a stoppage-time equaliser from Marko Arnautovic stopped the rot against West Ham United, but Hughes will want to see improvement from his men before the end of the season.
The Potters have shown defensive resilience this season as they have the seventh best record in the division, conceding just 40 goals in their 32 matches.
However, they've only managed to keep seven clean sheets in the campaign; only Crystal Palace, Leicester City and Queens Park Rangers have kept fewer.
Stoke's home form has been hit and miss this season as they have beaten Arsenal, but have also lost matches at the Brit to Burnley, Leicester City and Aston Villa. With four of their remaining six games left at home this season, Hughes will be determined to see his side end on a high note.
Recent form: WWLLLD
Southampton
© Getty Images
Southampton have enjoyed an excellent season under the tenure of Ronald Koeman in the Dutchman's first campaign in the Premier League.
The club are right in the battle for a place in Europe next season as they have managed to maintain their form throughout the season, despite having a smaller squad than their rivals.
Koeman's men may even look back at their recent form with a tinge of regret as they fell to narrow defeats to Everton and West Bromwich, which given Manchester City's plight could have put them in contention for a place in the Champions League.
However, the Saints have still outperformed all expectations of them made at the start of the season after the departures of several key players last summer.
The form of Graziano Pelle and Dusan Tadic has been crucial to the club's success this season, despite Pelle's recent struggles in front of goal. The Italian had gone nine games without a goal before he found the net to guide the Saints to a 2-0 victory over Hull City last week.
Koeman will be hopeful that strike will re-ignite the 29-year-old's form from the start of the season to aid in their push for a Europa League place.
Since March, Southampton have lost just once in their last five matches as they look to have found their rhythm once again. Their form on the road has been solid this season so that should stand them in good stead for the trip to the Britannia Stadium.
No team has a better record on their travels than Koeman's men as they have conceded just 12 goals in 15 matches, keeping four clean sheets in the process. It could therefore be a low-scoring affair when the teams meet on Saturday.
Recent form: LWDWLW
Team News
© Getty Images
Victor Moses and Bojan Krkic will both be missing for the clash at the Britannia Stadium due to long-term injuries, along with Peter Odemwingie.
Marc Wilson could return to the lineup after recovering from a thigh injury, while Mame Biram Diouf and Peter Crouch could also push for a recall to the team.
Southampton will be without Victor Wanyama as he is suspended for the match. Fraser Forster and Jay Rodriguez will continue to be sidelined with long-term injuries.
Florin Gardos could be available after recovering from a knock, but Koeman is likely to make as minimal changes as possible to a winning team.
Stoke possible starting lineup:
Begovic, Cameron, Shawcross, Wollscheid, Wilson, Whelan, N'Zonzi, Moses, Adam, Arnautovic, Walters
Southampton possible starting lineup:
K. Davis, Alderweireld, Fonte, Yoshida, Bertrand, Ward-Prowse, Schneiderlin, S. Davis, Mane, Long, Pelle
Head To Head
The Saints have won both matches between the teams earlier this season as they recorded a 3-2 win in the Capital One Cup clash, while claiming a 1-0 victory at St Mary's Stadium thanks to a strike from Sadio Mane.
The win from the Saints ended a run of four straight draws between the teams, which stretched back to 2012.
Southampton hold the historical edge in the fixture as they have won the contest 29 times compared to Stoke's 25, while 13 matches have ended in a stalemate.
We say: Stoke 0-1 Southampton
Stoke have very little to play for other than personal pride after securing their Premier League status for another season, which is highlighted in their recent form.
Southampton need to keep winning to try to earn a place in Europe next season, and due to that fact and their form away from home this season, they could edge a narrow victory at the Britannia Stadium.
No Data Analysis info
