Southampton are at home again on Saturday, as they look to make it seven points in a week against Cardiff City.
Russell Martin‘s side will extend their unbeaten run to 11 games if they avoid defeat in Saturday’s game, with the Saints currently on the longest unbeaten run of any side in the England’s top four leagues.
The Bluebirds will be itching to end that run, with play-off ambitions of their own motivation enough to be the first side to beat Southampton since 23rd September.
Fatigue is likely to be a factor in the side that Martin selects, but with Cardiff dangerous opponents he may also choose to tweak some elements tactically to give his side the best chance of taking all three points.
Should Russell Martin drop Ryan Manning v Cardiff?
One player who was left out of the starting line-up for Wednesday’s win over Bristol City was James Bree.
Summer signing Ryan Manning, who arrived on a free transfer from Martin’s former, came into the side at left-back in Bree’s place, but prior to that Bree had started the previous five games in a row in the left-back role despite being naturally right footed.
It is a credit to Bree that he kept his place in an unnatural position, particularly given Manning was very much a Martin signing having played under him at Swansea City.
Manning’s suspension through an accumulation of yellow cards meant he missed the away game against Preston in October and this presented Bree with an opportunity.
The former Luton Town man has seen his chances limited since arriving at the club in January, but having been brought into the side he grasped this one with both hands. Bree is better defensively than Manning and this may be something Martin looks to lean on given ninth-place Cardiff will look to get plenty of balls into the box.
The 25-year-old was given a rest on Wednesday, with Manning playing well in possession but looking vulnerable when tasked with defending. With that in mind, it would not be a surprise to see Bree take back the starting berth this weekend.
Playing Bree gives Southampton a feeling of control as he is less concerned with going forward than Manning, meaning he inverts onto his stronger right foot and steps into central areas to help overload in midfield.
His willingness to form a hybrid back three with the impressive Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jan Bednarek also allows Kyle Walker-Peters to get forward at will and, given he is one of Southampton’s best attacking outlets, this is a real positive for Martin’s side.