Southampton and Stoke City face off in the Championship this Saturday

St. Mary's Stadium hosts this Saturday, August 22, 2026, the duel between Southampton and Stoke City, valid for the second round of the Championship. Both teams take to the field seeking validation after mixed results at the start of the English second division.

Teams' scenario in the competition

Southampton occupies 24th position in the table after debuting with a 2-1 defeat against Watford. Now, the team plays its first home game of the season, carrying the pressure for an immediate reaction demanded by the coaching staff.

On the other side, Stoke City appears in 18th place in the competition. The team arrives after picking up draw and win results in the opening matchdays and aims to chase its first away win in the championship.

Head-to-head record and history

In the overall history of clashes between the two clubs, the numbers show great balance over the years. In eighty matches played, Southampton has thirty-four victories, while Stoke City accumulates thirty-one triumphs, in addition to fifteen draws.

In recent fixtures between the teams, Southampton holds a slight advantage, including a 2-0 triumph at Stoke's stadium. However, Stoke has already demonstrated the ability to balance the record and pull off an upset as a visitor.

Squad news and absences

For this Saturday's match, Stoke City arrives with confirmed absences that reduce the visiting coach's options, including Tchamadeu, Ampah, and Cresswell. On the other hand, the team counts on the return of Tomáš Rigo to the starting lineup and the possible return of Lamine Cissé.

At Southampton, captain Taylor Harwood-Bellis staying in the squad, after the club turned down a bid from Benfica, reinforces the team for this initial challenge in the competition.

Market expectations and broadcast

The betting market points to Southampton as favorites for the match playing at home, with a home win priced at 1.57. A draw appears at 4.22, while an away triumph for Stoke City is priced at 5.35.

For fans wishing to follow the match live with images, the Championship duel features free broadcast on the Novibet platform, upon account access and selection of the camera in the betting line.

With information from NETVASCO, ogol.com.br, Olhar Digital.