Southampton are set for a huge game on Monday night as they make the short trip to Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Russell Martin will be keen for his Southampton side to build on their first point of the season last weekend against Ipswich Town.
That game finished 1-1 as an early Tyler Dibling goal was cancelled out at the death by a deflected Sam Morsy effort from the edge of the box.
With Southampton and Bournemouth playing the last fixture of the weekend, the Saints are 19th in the table going into the game and know a win could lift them out of the relegation zone.
- READ MORE: Southampton moment one year ago shows how Russell Martin can kickstart season vs AFC Bournemouth
Russell Martin job could be under threat if Southampton lose to Bournemouth
It was always going to be difficult for Southampton following promotion but the fact they have just one point and have scored just two league goals in five games is a concern.
If things do not improve quickly then the Saints hierarchy may feel a change is needed and Martin could be shown the exit door at St Mary’s.
- READ MORE: Why Russell Martin will be praying history repeats itself ahead of AFC Bournemouth vs Southampton
That could see Southampton target a move for Graham Potter who has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023 and he could be the perfect replacement for Martin.
Similarly to Martin, Potter plays a possession-based style of football that is easy on the eye but the difference is Potter has experience of doing this successfully in the Premier League.
The fact he has now been out of work for close to 18 months could also see the former Brighton manager jump at the opportunity to prove that his disappointing Chelsea spell was just a blip in his managerial career.
Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana rates Graham Potter highly
One player who would certainly be open to working with Potter is veteran Adam Lallana who played under the former Swansea City boss at Brighton.
It was Potter that reinvented Lallana as a deep-lying midfielder which is the role the 36-year-old excelled in against Ipswich last weekend.
- READ MORE: Southampton star Adam Lallana hailed as ‘priceless’ after what he’s done off the pitch recently
Speaking on Potter once it was confirmed Roberto De Zerbi would be leaving Brighton at the end of last season, Lallana said: “I don’t see why not [on Potter returning]. Graham is a great manager and a great man as well.
“I think the job he did in Brighton was outstanding and he was a big part of the success that Roberto had. He built the foundations.”
Lallana also does not believe Potter’s Chelsea sacking should change anyone’s opinion on him as a coach, as he said: “I think he [Potter] was hard done by at Chelsea.
“It might even put me off going down that route, just how quickly managers seem to lose their job.
“It’s sad to see when managers go in and don’t get time. You need time to change things in life as with anything.”
Martin will hope to turn things around with a win over Bournemouth but if he fails then perhaps Potter would be the perfect solution.