Southampton head coach Russell Martin has revealed that his side could be boosted tonight by the return of both Flynn Downes and Che Adams as they travel to the West Midlands.
The Saints were on a tremendous run of form in the Championship, managing to go 25 games unbeaten in the league before this streak was emphatically ended on Tuesday night during a 3-1 defeat away at Bristol City. Three second-half goals from the Robins ended the impressive run which started all the way back in September with a 3-1 win over promotion rivals Leeds United at the St. Mary’s Stadium.
Southampton had been sitting inside the final automatic promotion place until the midweek result as Daniel Farke’s Whites managed to leap into second amid a seven-game winning streak of their own since the turn of the year.
Now, Martin’s side face another tricky clash away from home at The Hawthorns tonight. West Bromwich Albion have won three of their last five league outings and boast the third-best defensive record in England’s second tier, having conceded 29 goals in 31 matches.
Nevertheless, Southampton could be aided by the returns of both Downes and Adams, according to Martin. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the head coach provided an update on the duo’s recoveries [quotes via the Southern Daily Echo]:
“Both will be very close. Whether or not they will be involved, we will have to wait and see.
“They are both recovering nicely so we hope they will be involved. If not, they will not be very far away at all.”
Writer’s View
This is big news for Southampton and for Martin ahead of a tense battle with Ipswich Town and Leeds to finish inside the automatic promotion places. Downes has been key for Martin in the middle of the park this term while Adams has recorded 14 goal contributions, including 10 goals.
A win away at one of the toughest grounds in the division is exactly what the Saints need to put the ghosts of Tuesday night behind them and ensure another wobble doesn’t derail their promotion push.
Deputy Head of Writing
