Bet of the Day: Stoke to return to winning ways v Southampton

Potters have enough to get past goal-shy Saints

Stoke City should get back to winning ways against Southampton this afternoon. The Potters have won two from four in Staffordshire this term, although they did go down 4-0 to Chelsea last time out.

Against the Saints, however, Mark Hughes’ men have the perfect opportunity to get back on track. The South Coast side have only won twice this season, both times against outfits currently residing in the relegation zone.

They have a good recent record against Southampton as well. City have won three of their last five encounters with today’s opponents, including a 1-0 success at St Mary’s last season.

With the visitors not overly active in front of goal – they’ve scored once in their last five games – Stoke should have enough to edge this clash. Coral’s Bet of the Day is Stoke City to win and Under 3.5 Goals at 13/5.

Don’t expect the goals to flow

These two sides have not been involved in many goalfests this season. Six of Southampton’s seven fixtures so far this campaign have seen only one side find the back of the net. For Stoke, that is reduced to five in eight.

Even in the last four meetings between the pair, only once have both teams scored. Last season the two clubs were involved in fixtures that ended 0-0 and 0-1. It’s 10/11 for Both Teams to Score – No, in this one.

Hosts to leave it late

With a lack of goals expected, don’t be surprised if the Potters leave it late to nick this one. The hosts have scored four of their five goals this season in the second half.