Southampton put the disappointment of midweek defeat to Bristol City behind them as they overcome a strong West Brom side to win 2-0 on Friday night.
The 3-1 loss at Ashton Gate ended a record-breaking 25 game unbeaten run for Russell Martin‘s side and it was important that got back to winning ways instantly, particularly given the form that promotion rivals Leeds United are in.
Southampton did just that, with a first Saints goal for on loan winger David Brooks doubling the lead that Ryan Fraser had given his side in the 14th minute.
After consecutive away games, Martin’s side return to St Mary’s on Tuesday night as they welcome another play-off chasing team in Hull City. With the Tigers having won four of their last five in the league, this is another huge game for both clubs.
What is the latest Southampton team news for Hull?
Che Adams and Flynn Downes were both absent for the games against Bristol City and West Brom last week through injury and Southampton will be keen to have both return to the side.
Speaking in his pre-Hull press conference, Martin explained that: “Che is back tomorrow.” However, the Southampton boss has a big decision to make regarding whether Downes returns for this game or is given a bit more time to recover.
Martin clarified the situation of the midfielder, as he said: “We have a decision to make with Flynn. He could be back tomorrow and then maybe it could mean Saturday becomes a bit more problematic, so we’ll make that decision in the next 24 hours.
“It’s nice to have Che back and if we have Flynn back as well that will be nice, but he’s very, very close”.
Another player set to return from injury imminently is defender James Bree, with his manager confirming he is “very close as well”. Bree has not featured since going off injured against QPR on December 23rd and will be a welcome boost in a full-back position in which Southampton are somewhat light.
What team will Russell Martin select against Hull?
With just two days to reflect on the defeat to Bristol City, Martin made four changes for the West Brom game.
In arguably the more difficult of the two fixtures, Southampton performed far better against the Baggies and Martin may not look to change too much for the visit of Hull.
Gavin Bazunu made a couple of massive saves to preserve his clean sheet against West Brom and will continue in goal on Tuesday.
After Ryan Manning struggled against Bristol City, Jack Stephens was brought in to play an unorthodox left-back role and, having had a few shaky moments in the first-half, grew into the game. Therefore, given the threat Hull possess, it would come as no surprise to see Southampton line up with the same back four as they did on Friday night.
If Downes did return it would be a huge boost but, given the risk associated with rushing back such an influential player early, it would be a surprise if Martin did not save the 25-year-old for Saturday. This will likely mean that Will Smallbone continues as the holding midfielder, with Shea Charles doing little to help his cause in Downes’ absence.
Stuart Armstrong was immense against West Brom, covering every blade of grass and providing constant problems for West Brom defensively, so will reprise his slot in midfield. Joe Aribo impressed off the bench on his return from the African Cup of Nations and could start this one.
Adam Armstrong will start on the right of the front three and Sekou Mara deserves to keep his place up front despite Adams returning after a solid display in a rare league start on Friday. On the left of the front three, Martin must decide between Fraser, Sam Edozie and Kamaldeen Sulemana. Fraser scored the opener last time out and his experience may see him get the nod in this difficult fixture.
With everything taken into consideration, this is how we predict Southampton will line up against Hull:
(4-3-3): Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Smallbone, Aribo, S. Armstrong; A. Armstrong, Mara, Fraser