Southampton resume Championship action this weekend as they play host to a struggling Sunderland side at St Mary’s Stadium.
After their mid-week clash against Preston North End was postponed due to a nearby fire, The Saints have had time to rest and recoup following their dramatic win at Birmingham City.
Russell Martin‘s side are firmly in the hunt for automatic promotion but can’t afford any slip-ups, as they reside eight points adrift of second-placed Ipswich Town, albeit with a game in hand.
They’re up against a team completely bereft of confidence, having suffered five consecutive defeats. So it appears The Saints are catching the Black Cats at a good time, here.
With that said, here are three ways Southampton can defeat Sunderland on Saturday.
Samuel Edozie up against Leo Hjelde
Samuel Edozie didn’t start last weekend, instead appearing off the bench, but Martin should seriously consider putting him back in the lineup at right wing.
Admittedly, Edozie typically operates off the left but on this occasion, up against Sunderland left-back Leo Hjelde, it may prove to be a match-winning decision.
The 21-year-old could cause complete havoc in one-on-one battles against Hjelde, who isn’t the most mobile of players. The 6ft 2in defender struggled in the defeat to Leicester City on Tuesday.
Edozie is in the top 4 per cent of players for successful take-ons, as per Fbref, and will be eager to impress his manager after being dropped at St Andrew’s.
Move Che Adams into centre-forward role
Che Adams operated as a left-winger in the win at Birmingham City and whilst he did score, it’s clearly not his best position.
Six of Adams’ 10 league goals have come from the centre-forward role, so Martin must find a way to get him back as Saints’ focal point.
Adam Armstrong is more than capable of playing in deeper areas and becoming more of a playmaker, evidenced by his 11 assists this term.
Dominate possession
Quite simply, the best way to keep the visitors quiet is by dominating the ball, thus starving their midfield playmakers.
Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg, who netted in the reverse fixture, can’t be allowed time and space on the ball.
The two teenage creators have been capped by England at youth level, evincing how highly regarded they are.
Martin must set up his side to control proceedings and tire the visitors. That way, they’ll be able to come on strong towards the latter stages of the game.