U21 Preview: Saints vs Stoke City
Southampton’s Under-21s are back at home as they host Stoke City in Premier League 2 on Friday evening at Staplewood.
THE MATCH
Saints vs Stoke City
Premier League 2
Staplewood Campus
Friday 8th March, 7pm
Saints wil be looking to kick on from a much-improved performance on Monday evening as they settled for a point in a 1-1 draw on the road against West Brom.
Zach Awe's header was an instant equaliser at the time, as Adam Asghar's side bounced back from a disappointing defeat against Arsenal.
The quick turnaround from Monday evening could benefit Saints' youngsters, who will step out at Staplewood for the first time since December's win over Derby County.
Zach Awe scored his first Saints goal on Monday. (Photo: Stuart Martin)
Stoke are sat just inside the play-off bracket in 14th place, five points above Saints who are in 20th.
The Potters have had inconsistent form in the league since returning in January, with three wins, three defeats and one draw in 2024 so far.
They have won just one in their last five PL2 matches as well, as they suffered a 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace on Monday night.
PREVIOUS MEETING
Saints were victorious in their penultimate match of the 2022/23 season as they beat Stoke 2-0 at Staplewood Campus.
Well-taken finishes from James Bree and Dom Ballard sealed the win and at least a play-off place in Premier League 2 Division 2, before Saints went on to win the title with results elsewhere on the final day.
COACHES PREVIEW
Speaking after his side's battling draw on Monday, Head Coach Adam Asghar said, "I'm proud of how the players applied themselves and disappointed for them that they didn't get three points.
"We've still got a chance to get into the top 16, which we've got to target now and that means getting points on the board and putting a bit of that pressure on the players.
"The challenge is a quick recovery and try get three points back at Staplewood against Stoke with a good result."
STREAMING INFORMATION
Unfortunately there will be no Saints Play stream, but a full match report and highlights will follow on our website after the game in the Match Centre.
