Southampton v Stoke City: both chasing first Championship win at St Mary's | OneFootball

Southampton host Stoke City in the Championship at St Mary's on Saturday, 22 August 2026, with both teams aiming to respond to opening day defeats and kick start their seasons near the foot of the table.

Southampton won the last league meeting 2-0 at Stoke in January 2026, but Stoke City took the points on their last league visit to St Mary's in August 2025.

Saints lost 2-1 at Watford after four summer victories, including an EFL Cup win at Colchester. Stoke City were beaten 2-1 by Swansea but beat Oldham in the cup and posted steady pre season results.

Caspar Jander is sidelined for the hosts, while Aaron Cresswell and Lamine Cissé are out for Stoke City, trimming options in defence and up front.

The Saints controlled 66% possession with 87.74% passing in their opener, producing 11 shots and 16 open play crosses, so may look to dominate the ball. Stoke City had 41% possession, 12 open play crosses at 25% accuracy, won 14 aerial duels and made 32 clearances, pointing to a more direct approach. Cyle Larin and Eric Junior Bocat are early scorers this term, with Tomas Rigo and Cameron Bragg on the assists list.

A first win could lift Saints off the bottom after starting 24th, while Stoke City, 21st, could climb away from the early relegation places before their trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers later this month.