Southampton will be looking to further their case for automatic promotion on Tuesday night.
The Saints are set to play their game in hand on 2nd place Leeds United, when they host Hull City at St Mary’s.
Victory over the Tigers would see Russell Martin’s side move above the Whites, a point clear of Daniel Farke’s side in the standings.
With the visitors themselves competing for a place in the Championship’s top six, they will no doubt present a tough challenge for Southampton.
As a result, there may be an argument that there is one player in particular, Martin should be considering reintroducing to his side’s starting XI for this match.
Why Joe Aribo should start for Southampton
For much of the early part of this calender year, the Saints have been forced to cope without the services of Joe Aribo in midfield.
The 27-year-old has been away with Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations, helping his team reach the final of that competition. He eventually returned last week.
While Aribo was unavailable, Martin had admitted that Southampton were ‘missing’ the midfielder.
Indeed, the Saints boss has been full of praise for the Nigeria international previously this season, also describing him as ‘amazing’ earlier in the campaign.
So with Aribo now back in the fold for Southampton, he ought to be one Martin now looks to as he considers his starting XI for this clash with Hull City.
Aribo could replace Shea Charles in the starting XI
Aribo made his first appearance since returning to Southampton after AFCON on Friday night.
The midfielder came off the bench with just over half an hour of normal time remaining in the 2-0 win over West Brom at The Hawthorns.
Following his introduction onto the pitch, Aribo made a positive impression for Southampton in that win.
According to SofaScore, the 27-year-old record a 90% pass success rate during his time on the pitch against the Baggies. That also included one key pass.
Furthermore, Aribo won all three duels he was involved in on the night, and successfully completed the two dribbles he attempted.
The Nigerian therefore looks to have settled quickly back into life at Southampton. By contrast, Shea Charles – who Aribo replaced at West Brom – had also been substituted at half time in the 3-1 defeat at Bristol City in the match prior to this one.
Charles had struggled to make an impact in either of those games, in what were his first two Championship starts of 2024.
As a result, with Aribo having made such an impact so soon after his return to action for Southampton, he may be a more suitable choice to start for Martin’s side against Hull City on Tuesday.