Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross could return on Saturday after eight games out with a back injury.
Erik Pieters is a doubt because of a calf problem, while Glenn Whelan is set to make his 300th Stoke appearance.
Southampton captain Jose Fonte serves a one-match ban following his dismissal last week, while Victor Wanyama completes a five-game suspension.
Charlie Austin is out with a hamstring problem but fellow striker Shane Long is fit after a knee injury.
Editor’s Note: both teams still having aspirations of getting a Europa League spot at the end of the season. It’s 8th vs 9th at The Britannia and you would imagine that the loser of this one will have to do make to do with just a top half finish come May as they will lose too much ground on already highly competitive chasing pack of teams above.
Last time out Stoke snatched a late draw at Chelsea which stretched their unbeaten run to 4 matches while Southampton snatched a point of their own with a late Virgil Van Dijk equaliser breaking Sunderland hearts at St. Mary’s.
Stoke will be the more happier with their league position with Southampton blowing hot and cold this season they will look at their campaign as one of slight underachievement. When they’re good they’re very good as Arsenal will attest too but performances like that have been few and far between during this campaign.
Stoke will have the slight advantage going into this game what with them being at home but I wouldn’t rule Southampton out. A draw would probably cancel out both sides Europa League hopes and leave them to coast through the rest of the season hassle free. But neither side will want that to happen with 8 games still to go. I’ll go for a Stoke win as they utilise home advantage.
