Stoke City vs Southampton: Live Stream, Predicted Lineups & Score Updates for Today’s Championship Battle

Stoke City vs Southampton finished 0-1 at the bet365 Stadium as Finn Azaz’s 10th-minute strike handed the Saints a priceless EFL Championship victory that tightens the mid-table playoff race. Azaz, on loan from Aston Villa, latched onto Ryan Fraser’s cut-back and guided a low finish beyond goalkeeper Daniel Iversen to give Southampton their first away win of 2026. The early blow rattled Stoke City, who dominated possession (61 %) but managed just two shots on target as Alex Neil’s men struggled for a cutting edge in the final third. Key talking points • Fast start: Southampton pressed high from kick-off, and the reward came inside 10 minutes when Fraser exploited space behind Ki-Jana Hoever to create the decisive chance. • Defensive discipline: Jack Stephens and Taylor Harwood-Bellis marshalled the back line superbly, limiting Tyrese Campbell and André Vidigal to speculative efforts. • Tactical tweak: At half-time Neil introduced winger Mehdi Leris and switched to a 4-3-3, but Saints keeper Gavin Bazunu produced smart saves from Josh Laurent and Nathan Low to preserve the clean sheet. What the result means Stoke stay 11th on 42 points, five adrift of the playoff places, while Southampton climb to 13th with 40 points, reigniting their own top-six hopes. Both clubs have 16 league games remaining, keeping the chase for Wembley firmly alive. Player of the Match Finn Azaz – beyond the goal, the 25-year-old completed 92 % of his passes and created three chances, showcasing the vision Southampton have lacked on the road. Next up • Stoke City travel to promotion-chasing Leicester on 3 February. • Southampton host Swansea City on 4 February, aiming for back-to-back wins for the first time since October. SEO recap: Stoke City vs Southampton result, highlights, Finn Azaz goal, Championship playoff picture, bet365 Stadium – everything fans searched for after today’s lunchtime kick-off.