Fringe teams are hard to separate

Premier League
8pm Wednesday

There seems to be an established ‘big six’ in the Premier League but Stoke and Southampton are two of the strongest sides outside the elite bracket and are likely to contest a tight match at the bet365 stadium.

Stoke played well enough in a 3-1 loss at Arsenal on Saturday and have lost just once at home in the last three months.

Southampton (one defeat in five) are also on the up but may lack a killer instinct while Charlie Austin is on the sidelines.

Recommendation
Draw
1pt 23-10 bet365

Bet on this match at soccerbase.com

Team news
Stoke Ryan Shawcross and Jonathan Walters could return after minor injuries but Marc Muniesa (knee) is a doubt and Glen Johnson has an eye infection.

Southampton Matt Targett, Alex McCarthy (both hamstring) and Charlie Austin (shoulder) are sidelined.

Key stat
Southampton have not scored in five of their last eight away games