Oh it's a wet old day in Stoke.

There are a bunch of kids on the touchline valiantly trying to wave their flags, but they're just too soggy to fly.

The players are looking rather dry in the tunnel... but not for long.

Image source, Getty Images

Stoke fans might want to look away now...

Stoke's tally of five points after six matches is their third worst start since they returned to the top flight a decade ago.

Mark Hughes' side have only won three of their last 16 Premier League games, losing nine.

AND, they are winless in five league and cup games, losing their last three.

Martin Fisher
Match of the Day commentator

Stoke's central defensive injury problems might just be what Southampton need to help them address their chronic goal shortage.

Saints have failed to score in four of their six games this season, and two of the goals they have scored have come from the penalty spot.

The likes of Shawcross, Cameron, Wimmer and Martins Indi have all been in the treatment room recently.

Another defeat for Stoke could see them drop into the relegation zone but will Southampton be firing blanks yet again?

• Stoke have won three of their last five matches against Southampton, losing just one.
• Peter Crouch, once of Southampton, scored the only goal as Stoke won 1-0 when the sides last met in May.
• Ten of Southampton's 11 Premier League goals against Stoke have been scored in the first half.

Image source, Getty Images

Lawro's gone for a 2-1 win for Stoke... and so has Chris. He thinks Mark Hughes' side will do the business at home.

Sorted then.

Lawro's full predictions v Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett

Play our Premier League predictor now.

Stoke City make four changes from the side that lost 4-0 to Chelsea.

It's all change at the back as Bruno Martins Indi misses out with a groin injury, but both Kevin Wimmer and Geoff Cameron are fit enough to start. Kurt Zouma, who was ineligible to play against his parent club, also comes into the side.

And Saido Berahino starts up front in place of Jese, who drops out of the squad entirely.

Southampton make just one change after losing 1-0 to Manchester United last weekend.

Defender Virgil van Dijk gets his first start of the season in place of Wesley Hoedt, after a turbulent summer at the club.

Stoke have been granted a lifeline though, with several of the 50/50 injury calls returning to the side.

Team news coming up next...

Stoke are hampered by a shortage of defensive options, and Southampton are hampered by a lack of goals.

All set then for Saints to finally spark into life.

Let's hope it's a lively one.

Image source, Reuters