Midlands madness: Stoke at Saints and Baggies battle Palace

For all the Midlands teams competing in the Premier League this term, a top 10 finish is the most likely aim. Stoke City did just that under Mark Hughes last term, and are 13/8 chances with Coral to end up in such a position again.

The Potters faces a tough trip to in-form Southampton, however. West Bromwich Albion are also looking up, and have odds of 11/2 to finish in the top half this term. They take on Crystal Palace at The Hawthorns, having held Manchester United there impressively last time out.

Southampton v Stoke
Ronald Koeman’s Saints were at their ruthless best when battering Sunderland 8-0 on the south coast in their previous assignment, but it may interest punters to know all of their last four Premier League clashes have been score draws. Back a share of the spoils again at 14/5.

Goals should be guaranteed as in those encounters 14, or an average of 3.5, have flown in. A price of 12/5 says the match total will exceed this figure. As Southampton are unbeaten at home this term, netting 13 in their last three, they are odds-on 8/13 favourites for victory, while the Potters are 5/1 outsiders as they have only got one away win, at champions Manchester City, in the league so far.

Five of Saints top scorer Graziano Pelle’s six top-flight goals have come at home, including two braces. The Italy cap is odds-on at 10/11 to net again anytime, and 4/1 for another couple or better. Punters may also want to consider an enhanced 9/2 scoring double involving Pelle and Liverpool attacker Raheem Sterling.

Stoke boss Hughes will hope Peter Crouch can keep up a run of away goals at St Mary’s. The ex-England international has netted on each of his previous two Potters visits to former club Southampton, and can be backed to do so again at a tempting 10/3.

Alternatively, Nigeria winger Victor Moses could put a controversial week behind him, following allegations of diving to win a penalty, by netting anytime at 11/2. Stoke’s only absentee is midfielder Glenn Whelan with a broken leg, but defender Phil Bardsley faces a fitness test.