Hello everyone! We have a weekend of Premier League and FA Cup quarter-finals action for you. Today, Everton vs. Chelsea dominates the cup schedule, but there are three league games on the fixture list as well. Right here, we will be taking you through the match between Stoke and Southampton at the Britannia.

It has been a rather enjoyable few weeks if you are a Stoke fan as the team have recorded three victories and a draw in their last four Premier League games. The triumph came against Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Newcastle United, while they managed to gain a point off Chelsea last weekend. Mark Hughes's side find themselves eighth in the table, six points adrift of a European spot and just seven behind the final Champions League position.

As for Southampton, well, Ronald Koeman's side have had a difficult run of late. They failed to win any of their last three games - losing to Chelsea and Bournemouth and being restricted to a 1-1 draw with relegation battlers Sunderland last weekend. The Saints are only two points behind Stoke, but they are in desperate need of some momentum. They will be hoping that they can restart their campaign this afternoon.

Before we delve any further, let's bring you the lineups from both sides. We'll begin with the hosts...

STOKE CITY XI: Butland; Pieters, Wollscheid, Shawcross, Cameron; Imbula, Whelan; Arnautovic, Afellay, Shaqiri; Diouf
Subs: Haugaard, Muniesa, Ireland, Joselu, Walters, Crouch, Bojan

SOUTHAMPTON XI: Forster; Targett, Martina, Van Dijk, Bertrand; Clasie, Davis, Tadic, Romeu; Pelle, Long
Subs: Stekelenburg, Cedric, Yoshida, Mane, Ward-Prowse, Reed, Juanmi

Stoke manager Mark Hughes has made just the one change and that is in defence. Ryan Shawcross returns to the lineup for the first time since January, which has resulted in Marc Muniesa dropping to the bench. Shawcross missed eight games with a back injury, but is in the fold today alongside Phillip Wollscheid, Erik Pieters and Geoff Cameron in defence.

Gianelli Imbula and Glenn Whelan line the midfield, with Marko Arnautovic, Ibrahim Afellay and Xherdan Shaqiri providing attacking threat behind forward Mame Diouf. As expected Jack Butland will take his place in between the sticks.

As for Southampton, manager Ronald Koeman has made two changes - one of which was enforced due to Jose Fonte's suspension. Matt Targett comes into the defence, while Sadio Mane has dropped to the bench, making way for Shane Long, who will provide a two-pronged attack alongside Graziano Pelle.

Fraser Forster will keep goal, with Targett joining Cuco Martinez, Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Bertrand in defence. Jordy Clasie, Steven Davis, Dusan Tadic and Oriol Romeu will form the midfield, while Pelle and Long lead the line.

Steven Davis captains #SaintsFC, while @ShaneLong7 and @Mattytargett return. @GPelle19 also starts against #SCFC. pic.twitter.com/vlINkioRtn

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) March 12, 2016

This game is an important one for Glenn Whelan...

Congratulations to Glenn Whelan who is making his 300th #SCFC appearance in all competitions this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/Ml6yUlEGFY — Stoke City FC (@stokecity) March 12, 2016

So, we mentioned that Stoke are in decent form, but it is only recent. It was not that long ago that they suffered five consecutive defeats in all competitions, but they have made a turnaround by winning three and drawing one of their last four Premier League games. The revival began against relegation battlers Bournemouth, who have proved to be a big threat on home turf, but Stoke started strongly when Gianelli Imbula opened the scoring in the ninth minute. Ibrahim Afellay and Joselu also contributed to put the Potters 3-0 up after 55 minutes. Matt Ritchie scored the solitary goal for the Cherries, which turned out to be a consolation.

After that win, Stoke dominated another team fighting against the drop - Aston Villa. The difference between Bournemouth and Villa, though, is that the Cherries are more likely to stay up! Villa are currently rooted to the bottom of the table, nine points adrift of safety, so on paper, it was a game that Stoke should have won, and they did so. Marko Arnautovic struck shortly after half time and then doubled his lead five minutes later. Villa did get on the scoresheet through Leandro Bacuna, but it was not enough to inspire a comeback.

Next up was Newcastle United at home, but it was not a straightforward result for the Potters against a soon-to-be sacked Steve McClaren and his team. Xherdan Shaqiri scored the only goal of the game and they had to wait 80 minutes to get it. Five days later came an important result for Stoke as they managed to gain a point in their match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Blues looked to be sure to take maximum points following Bertrand Traore's goal in the 39th minute, but Mame Diouf scored five minutes from time to take a share of the spoils.

Stoke are not the most prolific of sides in the Premier League this season as they have struck 31 times, which is the 15th highest total so far out of the 20 clubs. They have conceded more than they have scored - 34 so far. That figure puts them ninth in the 'goals against' table as Tottenham Hotspur have conceded the fewest goals (24).

As mentioned, the Potters could go five games unbeaten today, but it was two years ago when they last did so. Diouf may also be hoping to go on a goalscoring run as he ended a 15-game run without scoring by finding the back of the net against Chelsea last weekend. In terms of defence, goalkeeper Jack Butland has been solid in between the sticks having made 98 saves in the Premier League this season, which is more than any other keeper in the division.

Away from matters on the pitch, Peter Odemwingie left the club to join Bristol City on a loan deal until the end of the season. The forward struggled for first-team action and is unlikely to return to the Britannia as his contract runs out in the summer. When asked about the transfer, Hughes claimed that other senior players may be shown the door.

He told reporters: "Peter is a case in point. He was as far away from the first XI as he had been for some time and opportunities here from now until the end of the season would be few and far between. We let him go because we couldn't give him the opportunities he felt his talent deserved and I was in agreement with that.

"It is not easy to keep senior players happy and if you can't even get them on the pitch and they are sat in the stand it becomes more of a problem. But if you have the opportunity to get good players in you have to get them into your club.

"At some point there will be good players in their own right who will have leave to make room for players coming in."

© Getty Images

Let's turn our attention to Southampton, shall we? Ronald Koeman's side were on a good run having won five and kept six clean sheets between January 13 and February 13, but they have struggled to keep that up. They have recorded two defeats and one draw in their last three Premier League matches. The club are currently eight points adrift of a European spot and nine behind the top four, meaning that the likelihood of playing Champions League football next season is very slim.

The problems began against Chelsea on February 27. It started so well for Southampton as they took a 1-0 lead three minutes before the half-time whistle through Shane Long at St Mary's. The team maintained their lead for 75 minutes but they crumbled inside 14 minutes as they conceded goals from Cesc Fabregas and Branislav Ivanovic, who netted the winner one minute from the normal time.

It was a hammer blow for the Saints and they failed to bounce back when they took on South-Coast rivals Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. It was expected to be a tight affair, but many tipped Southampton to come away with a win. It was not to be, though, as Steve Cook opened the scoring for the Cherries after half an hour. Southampton could not get back into the game as Benik Afobe netted the winner in the 79th minute.

Last weekend, the Saints had an opportunity to get back on track against relegation battlers Sunderland. The game looked destined for a goalless draw, but Jermain Defoe caused trouble for Southampton by scoring in the 85th minute at St Mary's. This time, though, the home side managed to respond to conceding a late goal when Virgil van Dijk equalised inside three minutes of stoppage time. It was a hard-fought draw, but they also lost Jose Fonte to a red card 10 minutes before the end of the game.

The stats are not in Southampton's favour ahead of this game as they are the Premier League's joint-second lowest scorers away from home this season and they have scored just six goals in their last 10 top-flight fixtures on the road. At the other end, they have the joint-second best defensive away record.

Compared to Stoke, they have a better overall goal record as they have found the back of the net 36 times so far this season and have conceded 29, keeping 12 clean sheets. Speaking of clean sheets, goalkeeper Fraser Forster has been rewarded for his form in February. The England international was named Premier League Player of the Month on Friday.

Forster went 708 minutes without conceding goal and kept three clean sheets in February. After being named the recipient of the award, the shot-stopper told the club's official website:

"It's obviously fantastic to win the award, but it's just another incentive to keep working hard and work as hard as I can until the end of the season.

"I think it was a good month all round. We put in a lot of good performances as a team with a good run of clean sheets. If you're doing that then it's easier to win games."

© Getty Images

HEAD TO HEAD: Stoke have a decent record against Southampton as they have only lost once in their last eight meetings. The game was in October 2014, but the Saints bounced back four days later by winning their League Cup meeting. In the league, Southampton have not beaten Stoke for 10 years and that win came in the Championship. Only one goal separated the two sides earlier in the season at St Mary's - it was scored by Stoke's Bojan in the 10th minute.

© Getty Images

Both sets of players are making their way out onto the Britannia pitch. Kickoff it moments away!

KICKOFF! The game is underway! Lee Mason is the referee for this one. Fingers crossed for an entertaining contest!

The home side get the first sniff at goal and it comes from January signing Imbula. The midfielder picks up the ball in his own half and then storms down the field before unleashing a 30-yard shot. The attempt isn't on target, though, and the ball goes wide.

Davis thwarts Stoke's free kick and eventually sends a through-ball aiming for Long, but the home side defend well and manage to snatch back possession.

Both sides are trying to find their feet in these early stages of the match. Remember, Stoke can go five games unbeaten if they avoid a defeat this afternoon, while Southampton are searching for their first win in four.

CHANCE! The home side put Southampton under pressure as Pieters's cross into the box forces the visitors to clear, but only as far as Afellay, who goes for goal, but his shot is blocked.

Southampton draw first blood at the Britannia! Stoke may have had the majority of early chances, but it's Ronald Koeman's side who take the lead. The Potters did well initially as Butland pulled off a great save to stop Pelle's initial header from creeping under the bar, but from the corner kick, Pelle got a second chance as he headed past Butland after latching onto Davis's delivery.

Stoke try to immediately bounce back as Afellay looks dangerous in the final third, but Davis tacks back to snatch the ball back.

SAVE! Butland is called into action again as Long gets in behind before firing a shot towards the right post, but Stoke's keeper manages to push the ball away from danger.

At the other end, Whelan picks the ball up on the edge of the box and aims a shot towards Forster's goal, but his attempt falls wide of the post. The Potters have had the majority of possession, but Southampton have caused them trouble on the counter.

Martina requires some medical attention after slipping close to the penalty area in his own half, but it doesn't take long for him to get back on the pitch.

CHANCE! Stoke have an opportunity to equalise as Whelan directs the ball into the box to find Diouf, who delivers a header from close range, but he just misses the target and the ball is sent over the bar.

Shaqiri gets the ball out wide and sends a cross into the box, but it's not one of his better deliveries as his intended target Arnautovic cannot reach it as the flight of the ball is too high.

Southampton are awarded a free kick following Whelan's foul, but they fail to make the most of it as Bertrand's delivery into the penalty area is comfortably cleared by the Potters.

Stoke counter after the free kick and the ball ends up at the feet of Imbula, who reached for Pieters, but his pass is overhit and the ball trickles behind the line for a goal kick.

It's Pelle again! The Italian doubles Southampton's lead 10 minutes before the half-time break after latching onto Tadic's pass following a quick one-two before shooting the ball into the bottom right corner. Quite the game he's having so far!

STOKE SUB: The afternoon gets worse for Stoke as Mark Hughes is forced to replace Shaqiri because of an injury. He makes way for Bojan.

It's up to Stoke to respond now and they get a good opportunity to do so when they're awarded a free kick 30 yards from goal. Arnautovic delivers from the set piece, but his ambitious shot goes wide.

Since doubling their lead, Southampton have taken control of this game. They are putting on an attractive display and are full of confidence. Stoke will want half-time to come quickly!

Arnautovic avoids a booking, but it looks as though the referee is warning him that it is his last chance. The Austrian epitomises Stoke's frustration with a challenge on Martina close to the far touchline. Southampton get the free kick, but Afellay's delivery into the box is cleared.

Wollschied tries to be an unlikely scorer for Stoke as he hammers a shot aiming for the net from 40 yards out, but his attempt does nothing to trouble Butland and the ball soars over the bar.

Bojan gives Stoke fans something to smile about as he nutmegs Clasie on the edge of the box before unleashing a shot, but it's blocked by Southampton's defence.

Stoke earn a free kick following Targett's foul on Afellay, but Whelan's whipped-in delivery is cleared in the area by the visitors.

Lee Mason blows the whistle for the half-time interval and Southampton head back to the dressing room as the happier team. Ronald Koeman's side have a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Graziano Pelle. The Italian opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a header off a corner and then doubled the lead on the half-hour mark following a decent one-two with Dusan Tadic. Stoke may have had the majority of the ball, but the Saints have shown pace and skill on the counter-attack. The home side need to find some answers for the second half. We'll return shortly!

RESTART! We're back underway at the Britannia! Can Stoke bounce back or will Southampton maintain or even extend their lead further?

BOOKING! Clasie is the first man to go in the referee's book this afternoon because of a late challenge on Pieters.

Arnautovic stands over the ball for the free kick and he whips it into the box. Diouf gets on the end of it, but he cannot generate enough power to beat Forster. Even if he did, though, the goal would not have counted as the offside flag was raised.

Arnautovic pulls one back for Stoke! Hughes and his men are back in this game after flicking Afellay's low cross into the roof of the net. The goal is the Austrian's 10th of the season. Game on!

BOOKING! The referee cautions Pieters after the Stoke defender commits a late challenge close to the touchline.

Pelle searches for his third goal of the afternoon by hammering the ball towards goal from the edge of the box, but his first-time shot soars over the bar.

At the other end, Imbula ends up shooting from distance following some decent build-up play from the Potters. His attempt is off target, but the home side are swinging the momentum in their direction.

SAVE! Forster prevents Arnautovic from scoring a second as he stops the Austrian's shot from the penalty area from finding the back of the net. The Stoke man held off the defender before thumping his attempt, but Forster was alert.

The Potters have their tails up and they are dominating play at the moment. Southampton have to be careful not to let their lead slip - they have some defending to do! There is far more intent and urgency from Stoke in this half.

Stoke go on the counter attack and the ball ends up at Afellay's feet. The Dutchman plays in Arnautovic, who attempts the return pass but he doesn't catch the ball right and he ends up sending it into Forster's arms.

Afellay goes for distance by unleashing a 35-yard shot, but it misses the target by flying high and wide. It's all Stoke at the moment!

BLOCK! What a crucial block that is from Van Dijk! Afellay threats the ball through for Cameron, who then passes across the penalty area for Diouf. The forward takes a shot, but it defects off the Southampton defender and over the bar.

Stoke are creating waves of attack at the moment! This time, Cameron lifts the ball over the top for Imbula, who lets himself down with his first touch, which results in the ball bobbling behind for a goal kick.

SOUTHAMPTON SUB: The visitors make their first change of the game as Clasie makes way for Ward-Prowse.

Stoke continue to have most of the ball, but Southampton still look dangerous on the counter-attack. The clock is ticking for Hughes's side to find an equaliser, and they need to do a bit better in the final third if they are to gain anything from this match.

SOUTHAMPTON SUB: That's the end of Tadic's afternoon as Mane takes his place.

STOKE SUB: Crouch is coming on the pitch in place of Whelan. Stoke are going all out for points. The question is, can they do it in just over 10 minutes of normal time remaining?

SOUTHAMPTON SUB: More changes as Targett makes way for Yoshida. Koeman is going for experience as his side try to hang on.

Stoke are continuing to dominate, but it's not quite happening in the danger areas. Afellay crosses into the box searching for a teammate, but it's comfortably cleared by the Saints.

OFF THE BAR! Ward-Prowse comes inches away from wrapping up the win for Southampton! The substitute takes a free kick and aims for goal, but his attempt clatters off the bar.

SENT OFF! It's a sour end to the match as Sadio Mane is shown a straight red card for catching Pieters in the face with his head.

Time is running out for Stoke! They don't have long left to find a dramatic equaliser.

Southampton take all three points and move up to seventh in the Premier League table after holding on for a 2-1 win. Graziano Pelle's first-half goals proved to be enough for Ronald Koeman's side. Marko Arnautovic tried to inspire a comeback with a 52nd-minute goal, but it was not to be as Mark Hughes was forced to settle for nothing. Thank you for joining us, and until next time, goodbye!