Stoke City have named their starting lineup for the EFL Championship match away to Southampton on Saturday, 22 August 2026. The Potters, who are looking for their first points of the new season, will kick off at 3:00 p.m. Local time at St Mary's Stadium.
This information was reported by Farah Ben Gamra of Athlon Sports. Stoke City's league position is a pressing concern, as they sit 21st in the Championship with 0 points from two games, having lost both. Their next challenge comes quickly with an away fixture against high-flying Wolves on 29 August.
Manager Steven Schumacher has selected a side aiming to bounce back from an opening day 2-1 home defeat to Swansea City. In goal is Viktor Johansson. The defensive line consists of Ben Johnson, Ben Wilmot, Liam Gibson, and Junior Bocat. The midfield five features Djibril Soumare, Ethan Galbraith, Tyrese Thomas, Bae Jun-Ho, and Conor Gallagher. Leading the attack as the lone striker is George Hirst.
This lineup shows a clear intent to solidify the midfield battle at Southampton. The inclusion of both Soumare and Gallagher suggests a focus on energy and ball recovery in the centre of the park.
Due to the traditional Saturday afternoon broadcasting blackout in the United Kingdom, the match will not be shown live on domestic television. Supporters in the UK can follow live audio commentary via BBC Radio Solent. Alternatively, a live audio pass is available for purchase for £5 through the Saints Play service.
For international viewers, live streaming is available through Saints Play and DAZN, subject to regional availability. The match will also be broadcast on Viaplay in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. Norwegian fans have the additional option of watching on TV 2 Play.
The 2026/27 campaign has begun poorly for Stoke City. After two matches, their record stands at 0 wins, 0 draws, and 2 losses. They have scored 2 goals but conceded 5, leaving them with a -3 goal difference. This form leaves them already 6 points behind early league leaders Millwall.
Finding a positive result at Southampton is important for momentum. The team's early struggles are reflected in the standings, where they are positioned in the relegation zone. Securing points on the road would provide a vital boost before the next match.
The schedule offers little respite. Immediately after the Southampton fixture, Stoke City travel to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on 29 August. Wolves have started strongly and currently sit 4th in the table, making it another difficult away test.
This quick turnaround means squad management and recovery will be key. The team must use every match to build cohesion and address the defensive issues that have seen them concede five times. Fans can track the upcoming challenges on our fixtures page. The focus is squarely on halting the losing run and climbing the table.
