Saints travel to Stoke in search of their first away win since January to keep any promotion hopes alive.
Vital Quotes:
Tony Pulis: ‘It is a massive game.’
Stoke City Team News:
Stoke are sweating on the fitness of many key players with Lee Hendrie, Andy Griffin, Carl Hoefkens and former Saints man Danny Higginbotham all doubtful. Jonathan Fortune could return to the starting line-up after re-signing on loan from Charlton.
Out: Dominic Matteo (foot)
Player to watch: Home Player:
Lee Hendrie. Assuming the midfielder on-loan from Aston Villa is fit, his Premiership experience and ability to score from range could trouble Kelvin Davis and the Saints defence.
Southampton Team News:
Darren Powell and Alexander Ostlund are both available after knee and ankle injuries respectively, while Claus Lundekvam should play after missing training on Thursday with a calf problem.
Out: Kenwyne Jones (ankle), Michael Svensson (knee).
Player to watch: Away Player:
Gzregorz Rasiak. The Polish striker has scored 20 goals this season, with no fewer than 16 on the road. Rasiak scored twice in this fixture last season and Stoke will have to be wary of his aerial threat.
Match Facts & Stats
Next Fixtures:
13/3/06 – Cardiff City (Home)
16/3/06 – Colchester United (Home)
31/3/06 – Wolves (Away)
