Southampton go in search of a big three points in the battle for promotion from the Championship on Saturday afternoon.
The Saints will host a struggling Millwall side at St Mary’s in a game that could have big ramifications.
Following a 2-1 defeat to Hull City on Tuesday, and Leeds United’s win over Leicester City on Friday, Russell Martin‘s side are now five points adrift of the automatic promotion places.
This therefore, feels like a game that Southampton simply have to win in the race for a top two spot.
With that in mind, there is one player who Martin surely has to bring into his starting XI for this afternoon’s game.
Joe Aribo made an impact v Hull City
Having spent a number of weeks on international duty with Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations recently, Joe Aribo is now back in contention for selection by Southampton.
In that game against Hull City in midweek, the midfielder came off the bench at half time with his side trailing 2-0.
The 27-year-old then produced an impressive second half performance, even scoring a late consolation for the Saints.
Speaking after the game, Martin hailed Aribo for an ‘amazing’ performance, while suggesting he may now be ready to start for Southampton again after his recent exploits.
As a result, Aribo must surely now be among the starting lineup against Millwall at St Mary’s.
Southampton must use Joe Aribo
After his introduction against Hull City, Aribo did seem to improve his team.
The midfielder took his goal well, and added a greater sense of control in possession for Southampton in that game.
He also made some important contributions defensively, that prevented Hull City from getting further out of reach on the scoreboard.
Considering that impact, it would surely make sense to bring Aribo into the Southampton starting lineup against Millwall, given Martin believes he is ready for such a role again.
This is a crucial game for the Saints in terms of keeping pace in the battle for promotion, so they surely have to play to their strengths with regards to Aribo.
It is also worth noting that the man he had replaced against Hull City, Joe Rothwell, had endured a difficult evening there.
As well as missing a big chance when it was still 0-0, the Bournemouth loanee also conceded possession to gift the Tigers their second goal.
That may suggest he needs a break from the lineup, and after his efforts in the second half, Southampton do have a seemingly ideal option to fill that role in the form of Aribo.