Martin could boldly axe Southampton gem who won only 1 duel vs Birmingham
This Southampton star could be surprisingly axed by Russell Martin tonight
Southampton will aim to pick up a much-needed win playing in front of the St. Mary’s masses tonight, Russell Martin’s men losing their last two clashes on their own patch to the dismay of the disgruntled home supporters watching on.
Martin will hope his Saints troops are buoyed on by the nature of their dramatic win against Birmingham City last time out to pick up another result, Joe Aribo’s 96th minute tap-in handing the stuttering automatic promotion hopefuls the three points in an action-packed 4-3 contest.
The 38-year-old boss will be wrestling with what side to pick for the task of overcoming Ryan Lowe’s Preston North End now, with one usually reliable star potentially being sacrificed for fresh blood to instead get a chance to impress.
Flynn Downes’ performance vs Birmingham in numbers
Usually one of the first names on Martin’s teamsheet, West Ham United loanee Flynn Downes could find his once secure spot in his manager’s first-team plans up in the air against Preston after a below-par showing last match.
Downes’ performance was timid when compared to the likes of Will Smallbone dazzling in the centre of the park for Southampton, with the homegrown Saints man picking up two assists to play a key role in the exciting 4-3 win.
In contrast, the ex-Swansea City midfielder was quiet.
Downes did come away from the barnstorming victory with four key passes notched up and a 96% passing accuracy next to his name, but that didn’t translate into the 25-year-old picking up an assist or goal for his troubles.
The Hammers loanee also dodged winning his fair share of duels in the 4-3 win, passively winning just one of the four duels he launched himself into.
Once labelled as being a “monstrous” talent by his Saints manager who managed him further when the pair were both at Swansea, Downes could now well drop out of Martin’s lineup for him to test out a different central midfielder from the get-go against Preston.
