Southampton vs Stoke City Predictions

Southampton vs Stoke Predictions for this Carabao Cup fixture. Southampton aim for an EFL Cup quarter-final spot as they host Stoke City at St Mary’s on Tuesday, offering a break from Premier League action. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.

EFL Cup | Round of 16 | Oct 29, 2024 at 7.45pm UK at St. Mary’s Stadium

Southampton vs Stoke City Predictions

Will Stoke City Stun Southampton or Can the Saints Salvage Their Cup Hopes?

• Southampton are still without a clean sheet in the Premier League this season but have a 100% win record in this year’s EFL Cup. Despite their defensive struggles, Southampton have found solace in the cup, and they’ll be hoping to extend their run further.
• Stoke City have failed to score in their last four away matches, including in all three recent away games across all competitions. Their toothlessness on the road has made it difficult for Stoke to challenge teams away from home, and this fixture could be no different.
• Both sides boast solid penalty shootout records, but Stoke have only won one of their last seven Championship matches. Stoke might be showing resilience in cup matches, but their league form has been woeful, suggesting a lack of consistency.

Our Tips

Southampton welcome Stoke City to St. Mary’s on Tuesday evening in a fourth-round clash of the EFL Cup, with both sides keen to progress to the quarter-finals. While Southampton have endured a rough Premier League campaign so far, their cup performances have been a beacon of hope, and they will be eager to make their home advantage count. Stoke, however, will be equally motivated to pull off an upset and show that their Championship form doesn’t define them in knockout competitions. With both teams struggling in their respective leagues, this contest could prove to be a tight and cagey affair.

Southampton enter this game having triumphed against Everton on penalties in the last round. Their spirited performances in the EFL Cup contrast sharply with their dismal Premier League run, where they remain winless after nine games. Stoke, meanwhile, also relied on penalties to see off Fleetwood Town in their third-round tie, and despite their struggles in the Championship, they will take heart from their recent success in this competition. But can Stoke keep up with Premier League opposition, or will Southampton’s cup form see them through to the last eight?

Best Bet: Draw at Half-Time, Southampton to Win Full-Time

Looking at this match-up, the best bet for punters appears to be a draw at half-time, with Southampton coming out on top at full-time. The reasoning behind this is rooted in the styles and forms of both teams. Southampton have shown that while they struggle to get over the line in Premier League matches, their cup form has been notably stronger. But it’s important to remember that they have also struggled to break teams down early. A first-half draw wouldn’t be a surprise, as Southampton have been slow starters this season, often taking time to find their rhythm.

Stoke, on the other hand, are not exactly known for lighting up the scoreboard, particularly in away games. Their recent struggles to score on the road – having failed to net in their last four away matches – highlight the likelihood of a cautious, defensive start. They will likely aim to frustrate Southampton early on and try to capitalise on any mistakes. However, the Saints should have enough quality, especially at home, to eventually break through Stoke’s resistance, especially considering Stoke’s tendency to concede in the second half.

There’s also the psychological factor of Southampton needing a result to build some momentum in what has been a largely forgettable domestic season. A cup run could help lift the spirits in the dressing room, and this urgency might see them turn the screw as the game wears on.

Our expert, Gram Dodd, from BettingTips4You.com, sums it up perfectly: “With Stoke City’s issues in front of goal, particularly on their travels, and Southampton’s penchant for grinding out cup wins, backing a draw at half-time and a home win at full-time offers solid value. Stoke may frustrate early on, but the quality of Southampton’s side should prevail in the second half.”

Correct Score Prediction: Southampton 2-0 Stoke City

Given Stoke’s scoring issues, it’s hard to see them finding the net at St. Mary’s. The Potters have failed to score in their last four away games, and while they may try to stay compact defensively, they don’t pose much threat going forward, especially without key players like Sam Gallagher and Ben Pearson. Southampton, while not prolific themselves, should have enough to grab a couple of goals. A 2-0 scoreline seems reasonable, as it aligns with their relatively strong cup performances, and Stoke’s lack of firepower makes it difficult to see them causing too many problems for the Southampton defence.

Furthermore, Southampton’s home advantage in the cup should give them the edge, and despite their league struggles, they will likely dominate possession and create the better chances, eventually breaking down Stoke’s backline. Expect them to start cautiously but take control as the game progresses.

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