Southampton vs Stoke City: Carabao Cup Fourth Round Preview and Team News

The Carabao Cup fourth round is set to feature an intriguing matchup between Premier League strugglers Southampton and Championship side Stoke City on Tuesday, October 29, at St. Mary's Stadium.

Southampton, under the management of Russell Martin, are currently at the bottom of the Premier League table, having failed to secure a league victory this season. Despite their dismal league form, the Saints have found some solace in the Carabao Cup, where they have beaten Cardiff City 5-3 and advanced past Everton via a penalty shootout in the previous rounds.

Stoke City, managed by Narcis Pelach, are also facing challenges, sitting 19th in the Championship table, just one point above the relegation zone. The Potters have had a mixed run in the Carabao Cup, defeating Carlisle United and Middlesbrough convincingly before advancing past Fleetwood Town on penalties in the third round.

Team news indicates that Southampton will be boosted by the return of Ryan Fraser, who has served his suspension. However, manager Russell Martin will be absent from the touchline due to a touchline ban. The Saints will also be without Will Smallbone, Gavin Bazunu, and Ross Stewart due to injuries, while Flynn Downes is a doubt after picking up a knock against Manchester City.

Stoke City will be missing several key players due to injuries, including Sam Gallagher, Bosun Lawal, Lyndon Gooch, and Ben Pearson. Despite these absences, key midfielder Wouter Burger is expected to play after recovering from a foot injury.

The confirmed lineups for the match see Southampton fielding a strong side with Aaron Ramsdale in goal, supported by a defense that includes Sugawara, Bednarek, and Harwood-Bellis. The midfield will feature Lesley Ugochukwu, Mateus Fernandes, and Joe Aribo, while the attack will be led by Ryan Fraser, Cameron Archer, and Adam Armstrong.

Stoke City’s lineup includes Jack Bonham in goal, with a defense comprising Tchamadeu, Dixon, and Phillips. The midfield will be manned by Seko, Thompson, and Sidibe, while Tom Cannon is set to start up front.

Predictions suggest that this match could see an upset, with Stoke City potentially capitalizing on Southampton’s poor form to secure a narrow victory. The last meeting between the two teams ended in a 1-0 win for Stoke at St. Mary’s.