Stoke City

• Stoke City have won two of their last three away league games against Southampton (D1), as many as across their 23 such matches combined prior.

• The Saints have won just one of their previous five league games against Steven Schumacher's side (D2 L2), a run which has seen them fail to score on three separate occasions.

• Six of the Potters' last eight second tier goals have been scored by Dutch players (three for Hoever, two for Manhoef, one for Burger). They are one of only two teams in Championship history to have three Dutch scorers in a season, along with Leeds also this term (Struijk, Summerville, Piroe).

• Across his last two Championship campaigns (2020-21 with Blackburn, this season with Southampton), Adam Armstrong has been involved in 42 goals in 42 home appearances (30 goals, 12 assists), assisting a goal in each of his last two at the St Mary’s Stadium.

• Russell Martin's team have scored 54 league goals at home this season, their most in a campaign since scoring 69 goals in 1963-64.

With Stoke City preparing to face Southampton on Saturday, we asked you to send in your score predictions and thoughts on what the outcome of the game could be.

Here are some of the responses we received:

Adrian: We are safe no matter what happens at Southampton. Safe isn't what matters this weekend, what matters is another good team performance and finishing the season strongly. At worst we get a draw, 1-1. Given that Southampton may not want to risk players, or the players on the pitch for them don't want to risk an injury, I have to go for a 2-1 win.

Bill: I think we are nearly safe. One more result will clinch our Championship status for another year. Southampton have nothing to play for except their pride. They are guaranteed a play-off position but can't reach automatic promotion unless they score 40 goals in their last 2 matches. I think we can get something at Southampton. Similarly Bristol.

John: I think Steven Schumacher has to attack with pace and play high into Southampton's half. Attack through the middle and spread the ball out to the wings, always with one eye on the Southampton break out.

Gil: One win doesn't guarantee a second one. Stoke need to play with confidence and energy for 90 minutes. If consistent, success and stability will follow. Hope they pressure Southampton and get a result.

Sean: Definitely not safe, a point is of little use. Either an unlikely, but possible, away win for us, or Huddersfield do us a favour and win... otherwise it goes to the last weekend.

Mark: Southampton are in the play-offs, won't want to risk any injuries. Stoke are pretty much safe with a draw. 1-1.

David: 2-1 to Stoke. Good recruitment with Jon Walters onboard now and we will improve greatly next season.

Image source, Stoke City

Former Stoke City defender Denis Smith believes that Steven Schumacher is the right man to try and take the club back to the Premier League.

The 1972 League Cup winner was full of support for the head coach when speaking at Thursday's Season Card holder event in Ricardo's:

“I look at what he’s doing and I like it. Don’t get me wrong, I always say things I would do differently and I know as a manager myself that everyone thinks they can do the job better than you can!

“It’s a mentality thing, consistently driving internally that you have to train hard and put the graft in to perform well.

“He has got broad shoulders and I know he will have used this period to put the platform down to have a better season next year.”

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke City's U21's will play their final game of the season on Friday when they host Newcastle United in the Premier League 2, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT at the Bet365 Stadium.

The Potters were beaten 3-0 by Leicester City in their previous fixture, so will be looking to bounce back by gaining a positive result against the Magpies.

Ryan Shawcross' side are 17th in the table as it stands, while their opponents are 25th out of 26 teams.

Image source, Getty Images

Ahead of Stoke City's game vs Southampton on Saturday, Steven Schumacher has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference.

The Potters head coach has discussed this weekend's opponents, Jordan Thompson's impressive run of form and the impact the fans could have at the St. Mary's Stadium.

The Saints: "They've been one of the best teams. Their home record is outstanding. We're all aware of how difficult the game is going to be, but if you get your plan right, if you're aggressive and if you can execute your game plan the way you want to, you've got a chance. We've got to go there with that belief that we can get something from this game."

Jordan Thompson: "He's been really consistent, certainly since we've been here. Played in a load of different positions, he's a good character. Having players like that who can be versatile is so beneficial for any squad, but he's shown in the last few months how important he is to the team. He's playing really well. I'm sure he wants to finish the season strong."

Travelling support: "The away fans have been outstanding in every game. Fingers crossed it's sold out and they can get behind the team. The team need to make sure that they perform for them because the last time we went away from home, we didn't, so that'll be the message. We need a better performance than the last one."

Image source, Getty Images

Former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis believes the Coates family will do everything they can to back Steven Schumacher in the summer transfer window.

Speaking to OLBG, external, he said:

“Stoke have one of the best ownership groups in English football. Steven will get the chance to be successful, as all the managers before him had.

“None of them come out of the club criticising the owners. The problem has been behind the scenes regarding their recruitment.

“It's not always about signing the best players, it's about building a strong team and the best players aren't always included in the most successful teams."

The 66-year-old also revealed that he's been in touch with Sporting Director Jonathan Walters about the profile of player the club should target moving forward:

“I've spoken to Jonathan Walters and I've got a lot of respect for him.

“He's a good example of what Stoke needs to recruit as we had Jon or Mamady Sidibe behind Ricardo Fuller, whose strength was not running around!

“You need to sign players that suit the team as Jon and Mama were both unselfish and would never stop working.”

Stoke City travel to Southampton on Saturday as they aim to secure a victory at the home of the promotion-chasing Saints.

The Potters head into this game off the back of a 3-0 win against Plymouth Argyle, so they will be hoping to replicate the same outcome this weekend.

Do you think Steven Schumacher's side are safe from relegation regardless of the result at the St. Mary's Stadium or would you like more points on the board?

Get involved by sending us your score predictions and thoughts using the online form here.

Image source, Getty Images

Ahead of Saturday's game against Southampton, BBC Radio Stoke have been speaking to Saints Statistics to discuss which of their players could pose the biggest threat for the Potters:

"Che Adams has a very tenuous relationship with the Southampton fans. He has been the greatest player in the world at some points, he's also the player who gets the most mud thrown for the failures of last season.

"Whenever he does leave us, there will be some amazing compilations of his time at Southampton, but he is in the form of his life at the moment.

"He's playing for that new contract, so if there was a player I'd be worried about from a Stoke perspective, it would be Che Adams.

"Adam Armstrong is ever-present, but he's out of form. David Brooks is an amazing player and could tear you apart, or he could have a game like he did against Cardiff and be silent.

"A player that you have experience with, Will Smallbone, is also in incredible form and I wouldn't be surprised if I saw him on the scoresheet."

When asked for their score prediction after the 5-0 defeat to Leicester City, they added:

"If we had a hangover, it would be tighter, it would be nervy. I would go for a 2-1 or a 1-1."

You can listen to the full interview here.

Stoke City are reportedly considering a move to sign Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson in the summer transfer window.

The Millers are confirmed to be playing in League One next season, meaning that the 25-year-old is likely to leave the New York Stadium.

The Potters are set to make an offer for the Swedish stopper who is believed to have a £1m relegation clause included in his contract.

(Alan Nixon, external)

Image source, Getty Images

Potters head coach Steven Schumacher named Luke Cundle in his starting line-up for Saturday's 3-0 win over Plymouth Argyle.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke, Dan Buxton from the 'Every Step Along The Way, external' podcast heaped praise on the midfielder for his impressive display at the Bet365 Stadium:

"That was far, far away his best game in a Stoke shirt. He really showed us what the best of Luke Cundle is.

"The game suited him and he was obviously up for it. Whether it was because it was Plymouth or whether it was his goal last week, everything just fell into place for that performance on Saturday.

"If he can produce that, if that's going to be his level, I'd like to see him back here again."

Would you like to sign Cundle on a permanent basis? Leave your comments here.

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke City head coach Steven Schumacher joined the club from Plymouth Argyle in December, and last weekend, he was able to beat his former team 3-0.

We recently asked you to send us your thoughts on the job that he's done since his arrival.

Here are some of the responses that we received:

Chris: Seems a good man manager. Took all of 5 minutes to realise Bae Junho is our best footballer which Alex Neil did not. Perhaps overcomplicated things in some games with too many changes, however it’s nice to see players looking as though they have actually been coached and know their jobs.

Adrian: The writing is on the wall. This time, the writing is of the potential Stoke can have under Steven. There are signs of a real team developing and next season is one of realistic potential to make a push well up the league and also play entertaining football. Steven is doing well and needs to be backed.

Steve: He’s tried to keep himself and us thinking with a level head. We can lose games but don’t get too negative about it. As long as we believe the team’s progressing, try and enjoy the journey.

Digby: Trying to keep track from the Gulf with what he has done. He looks to have the one thing that has been missing from the leadership for years - passion for the game.

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke City midfielder Jordan Thompson made his 150th appearance for the Potters on Saturday in the 3-0 win over Plymouth Argyle.

Speaking during his post-match interview with the club's website, the 27-year-old said he was delighted to have reached this milestone:

"Massive. I actually didn't know about it until the other day during the week, someone mentioned it. Very, very proud to get 150 for this club."

When asked how the team can replicate the performance shown last weekend heading into their final two fixtures, Thompson added:

"We know the talent is there, it was just trying to get everything to click. We've done the basics really well which we haven't done enough throughout the season, we need to keep that going. We want to try and get maximum points."

How good do you think Thompson has been this season? Should he be offered a new contract in the summer?

Let us know your thoughts here.

It's been a long season for Stoke City fans, but following their 3-0 home win over Plymouth, supporters are starting to believe their team will avoid Championship relegation.

These are just some of the comments from the Potters faithful who called BBC Radio Stoke's Praise and Grumble show.

Ian - We got a really good performance for 90 minutes, everybody put a shift in, they did the ugly thing and rolled their sleeves up, we got stuck in, won every 50/50, we played some lovely football, it was good to watch. It's not mathematical (safety) but looking at the fixtures we're virtually there now.

Dave - You're starting to feel that Stoke are playing the type of football, the best football that we've probably seen for the last six years and that's saying something isn't it. We're seeing a better style of football, more attacking football.

Darren - We had 23 shots on goal, when was the last time we had that? What a weekend we had. 3-0 and dominated the game and took the pressure off going to Southampton.

Andrew - Bae Junho is brilliant. His feet are mesmeric when he takes players on. Good on Steven Schumacher for sticking to his guns and picking the team who he thought could win the game.

How do you feel about the job Steven Schumacher has done since his arrival in December? Send us your comments here.

Image source, Getty

Stoke City's flying Dutchman, Million Manhoef, says he's started to adjust to the pace and physicality of English football.

The 22-year-old made the switch from the Dutch Eredivisie to the Championship in January having spent all his career at Vitesse.

Speaking to BBC Radio Stoke he explained the challenges of adapting to a different league:

"In Holland I can win duals easier, I don't have to put in my full force to win duals, but here if I don't do it then I can lose some. I have to sharpen every dual here because everyone is being as strong."

The winger has started seven games for Steven Schumacher's side and scored two goals. He believes that there is still more to come:

"I will get more stronger and faster and use my body better, which will make my game better."

He added, "I think I can improve, I'm small but I'm quite stocky and strong. I still lose more duals than I should but that's an improvement point so I'm not satisfied. I think overall my game has been quite ok but hopefully it will get better and better."

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke City midfielder Wouter Burger will be available for Saturday's game vs Plymouth Argyle at the Bet365 Stadium.

The Dutchman was substituted off in the 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday following a head collision, but tests since have shown no sign of concussion.

Junior Tchamadeu is also edging closer to a first team return after playing 45 minutes for the U21's in their recent 3-0 defeat to Leicester City.

However, Ryan Mmaee, Lynden Gooch and Ben Pearson all remain out on the sidelines with their own respective hamstring injuries.

With Stoke City preparing to face Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, we asked you to send in your score predictions and thoughts as to what the outcome of the game could be.

Here are some of the responses that we received:

Adrian: This is the weekend we close the trap door! It's a must win and we will win. Plymouth will not be bothered about playing their ex-manager, they will be concentrating on getting a result which keeps their trap door closed. Stoke win 3-1. Let's not "boo", it doesn't help. Remember, "We'll be with you, every step along the way... City, City".

Jack: Stoke have been very disappointing all season, little sign of togetherness and team spirit with the desire to win. Whatever the outcome of the remaining three matches, there needs to be a major rid out of those under-performing players. I predict that Plymouth will win 2-1 on Saturday and we'll be well beaten by Southampton the following week...

Chris: Stoke are looking at a 1-1 draw and praying no one below them wins. Stoke can fight back to a draw but can't seem to win. No defence and give away stupid goals. Stoke pay a fortune for bad performances on the pitch. It's about time a team took responsibility.

Alan: We have been too passive as a team all season, lacking in ideas, defensively weak and with no regular striker. It’s no great surprise we are where we are in the Championship, but this Saturday, it will all come together for us and we’ll win 2-0.

David: Plymouth will win as their players seem way more up for it than the Stoke squad... and against their old manager... even more to gee them up. 2-0 to the visitors I think.

Steve: 3-1.

• Stoke City are unbeaten in their last 19 home league games against Plymouth Argyle (W13 D6), keeping 11 clean sheets across that time.

• The Pilgrims will be looking to claim a first ever league double over Saturday's hosts in the EFL after winning the reverse fixture 2-1 back in December.

• The Potters have won just two of their last 14 Championship games at the Bet365 Stadium (D6 L6), a run during which they have failed to score in eight separate matches.

• So far this season, Neil Dewsnip's side have won just three of their 21 away league games (D7 L11), though each of those victories have come across their last seven such matches whilst also keeping a clean sheet.

• Since Steven Schumacher’s first game in charge of Stoke City, the red and whites (24) have won just two more points than this weekend's visitors (22) in the Championship.

Image source, Stoke City

Stoke City U21's defender Jaden Dixon has won the Broxap Outstanding Academy Achievement award for March.

The Potters centre-back made his international debut for England U17's in their European Championship qualifiers last month, while also making 15 appearances throughout this season in the Premier League 2.

Congratulating the 16-year-old on his accolade, Academy Director Gareth Owen told the club website:

“Jaden has had a really good season so far and he fully deserves this award.

“He knows there is plenty of work to do to improve and we’ll continue to support him however we can to ensure he fulfils his potential.

“We’ve had a number of our younger players represent England this season including Nathan Lowe, Tommy Simkin and Sol Sidibe, and to see Jaden join that group is so pleasing for everyone in the Academy and the Football Club.”

Image source, Getty Images

Ahead of Stoke City's upcoming home game vs Plymouth Argyle, Steven Schumacher has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference.

The Potters head coach discussed facing his former side, the atmosphere he wants fans to create at home and the return of Luke Cundle.

Plymouth: "Plymouth Argyle are going to be so up for this game because they are coming up against their ex-manager, so we need to make sure that we are ready for that and be better than them in all departments. Our job as the coaching staff is to take all emotion away from it and just speak about what's in front of us."

Supporters: "Our fans have been really good, I can honestly say that. We want the Bet365 at the weekend to be absolutely bouncing in our favour. We want to try as best as we can to keep the Argyle fans quiet and that's over to us as staff and players to get the result that we all desperately want."

Luke Cundle: "He hasn't had the game time that he wanted, but he trains the same. His personality, his enthusiasm for the game and his energy is why I brought him here because that's what we needed. He's been brilliant."

Stoke City welcome Plymouth Argyle to the Bet365 Stadium on Saturday in a crunch match which sees both teams needing to win to avoid relegation.

The Potters head into this game off the back of a 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday, so they will be hoping to go one better and take maximum points this weekend.

Can Steven Schumacher secure victory over his previous club?

Will Stoke beat the drop?

Get involved by sending us your score predictions and thoughts using the online form below.

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