Saints head up to the Potteries with few injury problems, but Stoke City are in a crisis with as many as 8 players likely to be out for the game at the bet365 stadium, will this work for the home side and spur them on.
Stoke are in an injury crisis as they prepare to face Southampton this evening, the Stoke Sentinel is reporting that there could be 8 players missing from their squad.
All areas of the pitch are affected, in defence Enda Stevens is likely to miss out again with a calf injury, their stand in left back Lynden Gooch was forced off at half time at the weekend with a hamstring problem and is doubtful and central defender Michael Rose also left the fray during the second half with what appeared to be an ankle injury.
Saints fans moan about Saints inexperience in the back four the Stoke Sentinel has estimated that the Potters back line will have an average age of 22 this evening.
Stoke manager Alex Neil has also revealed that he is not expecting any of those who missed the game at the weekend to be ready to play against Southampton, forwards Andre Vidigal, Ryan Mmaee and Tyrese Campbell, are all likely to again be missing, the latter two both with hamstring problems.
Emre Tezgel and Lewis Baker are longer-term absentees to make it 8 who look set to be unavailable for the squad, but it might get worse, Wouter Burger who was only fit enough for the bench in Saturday’s win over Bristol City, did manage 15 minutes, but it will be a late call on the level of his fitness for this game.
Saints fans hope that their side will be able to cash in on Stoke’s injury woes, but truth is sometimes injury hit teams find an extra bit of grit and determination