Ryan Manning’s suspension is a blow, but it could provide an opportunity for James Bree to shine
Southampton come into Wednesday evening’s game against Preston North End looking to continue their strong run of form.
Managing to turn things around with a 3-1 win against Leeds United at the end of September, they have followed that up with wins against Stoke City and Hull City and a draw against Rotherham United.
They may be disappointed not to have taken all three points away from the Millers, but their late winner against the Tigers compensated for that.
Coming out on top against Liam Rosenior’s side, the Saints will be extremely pleased with that considering Hull secured an away win at Leicester City earlier this season and look dangerous despite their underwhelming recent form.
Russell Martin’s side did suffer a blow at the MKM Stadium though, with Ryan Manning picking up his fifth yellow card of the season, meaning he will serve a one-match suspension tomorrow.
Starting all but one of the south-coast side’s league games this term, Manning has been an integral part of Martin’s plans and that isn’t a surprise because of a couple of key reasons.
Firstly, the Irishman was a key player under Martin at Swansea City and it wasn’t a shock when the Saints made a move for him.
And secondly, the recently relegated side don’t have many left-back options at this point, with Juan Larios injured, Romain Perraud currently out on loan and the Saints not bringing in more than one option in this area.