Southampton’s ability to bounce back will be put to the test once more on Saturday afternoon.
Tuesday night, the Saints suffered a setback in the battle for automatic promotion when they fell short against Hull City 2-1 at home.
They lost the opportunity to pass Leeds United and take second place in the Championship standings as a result.
Instead, they will be under pressure to return to winning ways swiftly going into their match against Millwall on Saturday at St Mary’s.
It appears that there is one guy that some people want to start that game in the beginning lineup.
Journalist demands that Millwall v. David Brooks begins.
Waiting for his turn at Southampton, David Brooks has had to settle for a loan from Bournemouth since the January transfer window.
Only one league start has the 26-year-old made for Russell Martin’s team. He came on off the bench during halftime of the loss against Hull City.
After that, he would assist the Saints in playing better in the second half. At least one reporter has now suggested that the Wales international start against Millwall as a result of this.
Journalist Alfie House of the Daily Echo stated on the Total Saints Podcast that David Brooks “has to start on Saturday” when discussing potential lineup adjustments Southampton could need to make for that match. I can see why he chose to stick with the same squad and why he didn’t.
However, Adam Armstrong seemed a little worn out right now. I’m not sure why, but every time he tries to get in behind the channels, he comes up short to attempt and make a tackle or try to get the ball himself.
But as soon as David Brooks entered the game, he simply appeared to be wherever Adam Armstrong wasn’t, collecting up balls outside the box and returning them inside. I believe something along those lines led to the goal and the opportunities they did have.
Russell Martin facing big Southampton selection call
As these remarks suggest, Martin will have a difficult choice to make about Brooks and Armstrong.
For the most part of this season, Armstrong has been outstanding for Southampton. He is still their leading scorer for the season, in fact.
Hence, dropping him would be a risk, and if his team misses opportunities and loses that game, Martin would be closely watched.
Armstrong, nevertheless, has started each league game Southampton has played this season.
The physical toll of it will eventually catch up with you. He won’t have the energy left after that to continue having the same effect he has been.
It may be said that we witnessed it on Tuesday when he found it difficult to enter the Hull City match.
It might be something to explore in the lineup on Saturday, since Brooks did appear to make more of an impact when he took over that job at that point.
Southampton might have a better opportunity to start that game stronger as a result. It would also give Armstrong time to heal, which might help him become more influential in the future.
