Southampton head to Deepdale on Wednesday evening to take on Preston North End as they look to extend their current unbeaten run in the Championship to five matches
Russell Martin has a dilemma on his hands this week as Southampton travel to Preston North End without a key member of their back four.
Ryan Manning has started 11 of Saints‘ 12 Championship fixtures so far this season at left-back but is unavailable to face Preston after picking up his fifth booking of the season during last weekend’s 2-1 win over Hull City.
The solution for Martin is not as easy as it appears. Despite Kyle Walker-Peters being able to operate at left-back, the 26-year-old’s form in his natural right-back spot has been superb of late.
The England international has not missed a minute of league action for Southampton this season and was voted in the Championship team of the week for his performance last time out against the Tigers
Moving him across to the other side might well limit his impact at Preston, though Martin has more options on the right than he does on the left. James Bree and Mason Holgate can both play at right-back, while at left-back, Juan Larios remains injured and academy prospect Jayden Meghoma has yet to make his league debut.
Asked about the dilemma he faces with his team selection following Manning’s suspension, Martin said: “Firstly, Kyle can play anywhere. I genuinely think that. The only position that I probably wouldn’t play him is centre-half. He can play right, left, right midfield, left midfield, central midfield.