It has been a tricky few weeks for Southampton, but they got back to winning ways in the Premier League on Sunday with a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough.

Sofiane Boufal’s fine 25-yard strike was enough for Claude Puel’s side to record a fifth league win of the season, and banish any lingering demons from their disappointing Europa League exit last Thursday.

The Saints drew 1-1 at home to Hapoel to exit the competition on away goals, this all after beating group winners Sparta Prague and European giants Inter Milan in the group stages.

Nonetheless, Puel’s men bounced back with a deserved victory over Boro, their second successive home league win, and they’ll take that confidence into their trip to Mark Hughes’ Stoke on Wednesday.

The Potters are a point and place below Puel’s men in the table, and were beaten 3-1 at Arsenal on Saturday, a venue Southampton won at just a few weeks ago in the League Cup.

However, tomorrow evening’s game is sure to be a tough encounter for Puel’s side, who haven’t won away from home in the Premier League since their 3-0 victory over West Ham on September 25.

With a tricky home game against Bournemouth to come on Sunday, Puel may decide to rotate his squad once again on Wednesday, so here are THREE players who deserve a chance at the Bet365 Stadium on Wednesday…

Harrison Reed

Harrison Reed has had to bid his time this season, but he finally appears to nearing a first team start.

The 21-year-old midfielder has mainly featured for the Under-23 side this season, but he has been included in recent matchday squads as Puel looks to rotate his side effectively to deal with the busy period.

And, with a game against Bournemouth on Sunday, he may do so again, which could mean that Reed, who was an unused substitute against Middlesbrough, may get a start on Wednesday.

The highly-rated youngster started their League Cup win over Arsenal two weeks ago, and could help command the Saints midfield at Stoke tomorrow.

Steven Davis

Steven Davis hasn’t started a Premier League game since November 19, but could earn a recall at the Bet365 Stadium on Wednesday.

The Northern Ireland captain has been restricted to the substitute’s bench in recent games, but did start against Hapoel in the Europa League last week, and against Arsenal in the League Cup.

Arguably, Davis is currently not performing as well as he did at the start of the season, but he’s still a key player for the Saints in the centre of midfield and, with Charlie Austin out injured, they may need his experience and know-how to help create chances for the frontmen.

A recall at Stoke could be on the cards for the 31-year-old.

Shane Long

Austin’s absence is a big blow to Southampton, but it gives Shane Long the chance to stake a claim for a first-team spot.

The Irish international started the season ahead of Austin in the pecking order, but didn’t do enough in front of goal to deservedly keep his place – in fact, he hasn’t netted in the Premier League this season.

He had mainly been used as a substitute in recent times, and Jay Rodriguez was actually preferred to him against Middlesbrough on Sunday, although Long did come on for the final five minutes at St Mary’s.

Nonetheless, Long’s energy from the front could be hugely beneficial to the Saints on Wednesday, as Stoke like to keep possession and work from the back.