Southampton are back to winning ways following their 3-1 win over Leeds United at St Mary’s on Saturday and will want back-to-back wins by beating Stoke City on Tuesday night.
Footballleagueworld video of the dayAfter a strong start to Saints’ first league season in over a decade, they had lost four before coming up against an in-form Leeds side.
The Whites were unbeaten in six league games and had not conceded a goal in four games.
They were heavy favorites in the match between two recently relegated teams.
The Saints stormed back to winning ways but will face the Potters, who also picked up three points on Saturday.
Stoke also recovered from a poor run of results by beating Bristol City 3-2 at Ashton Gate.
This is the team’s first league victory since mid-August.
Southampton halted the decline with a victory, thanks in part to Adam Armstrong who was the main catalyst with a brace.
They will hope this is the start of a winning streak to keep them at the top of the Championship and ensure they can return to the Premier League for the first time under Russell Martin.
What’s the latest news from Southampton?Ahead of the match, we take a look at some of the latest news and headlines from St Mary’s.
Could Will Smallbone be Martin’s secret weapon against Stoke? Speaking to the Daily Echo, the Southampton boss revealed he will call on Will Smallbone’s expertise ahead of today’s game at Stoke City.
The midfielder was on loan from the Saints to the Potters last season. He said: “It will be a really interesting and different match to Saturday. I’m really looking forward to it.
” Will (Smallbone) played under Alex Neil last season and understands how he works. We will use him as well.
Patrick Roberts update at Southampton
Southampton continue to keep tabs on Sunderland winger Patrick Roberts, according to Darren Witcoop.
The winger is a long-term target for Southampton.
Sky Sports reported that the Saints made a £5million bid for Roberts on the final day of the transfer window.
He had done enough to impress them with five goals and seven assists in the league last season, but the south coast failed to complete a deal for him before the deadline.
Witcoop believes Southampton are still keeping an eye on Roberts at the moment.
The former Manchester City and Celtic player is yet to put pen to paper on an extension at the Stadium of Light, and although he has less than a year left on his contract, the Saints could see Roberts as an affordable and attainable target.
David Prutton predicts Stoke City vs Southampton Sky Sports presenter and pundit David Prutton has backed Southampton to win back-to-back when they face Stoke City at the Bet365 Stadium tonight.
Prutton believes this will be a one-goal match with a 2-1 success at Southampton in his column.
He said: “I don’t think many saw Stoke return to Bristol City. In no way, with two goals down, the battle for the 3-2 victory was a success for Alex Neil’s team.
“What a performance and what a result Southampton had against Leeds. It was really needed for Russell Martin, but now they need to get some momentum going. I think they will win at Bet365. 1-2.Link copied to clipboard
