Southampton will attempt to rebound in the Championship promotion chase on Saturday afternoon.
The Saints will play Millwall at St Mary’s, hoping to rebound from their 2-1 loss to Hull City on Tuesday night.
It has been a difficult campaign for their opponents. They are presently 21st in the Championship table, one point clear of the relegation zone.
This has resulted in them changing managers this week. Joe Edwards has been fired, and Neil Harris will return to the club he previously led from 2015 to 2019.
Now it appears that change is not something Southampton manager Russell Martin expected to see this season.
Russell Martin ‘pleased’ for Neil Harris
While Harris left a position with League One club Cambridge United to return to Millwall, this is not his first time managing a team this season.
The 46-year-old had previously began the season as manager of Gillingham in League Two.
While in command of the Gills, Harris stunned Southampton in the League Cup first round this season.
The Saints were defeated 3-1 at Priestfield in that match. Martin, on the other hand, is certain that things have improved in his team since then.
In response to Harris’ return to Millwall ahead of their match against Southampton, the Saints manager was cited by Daily Echo journalist Alfie House as saying: “I was expecting to never think about the Gillingham game again, but now you’ve reminded me. It exemplifies how wild football is. Our crew is now completely different. I am very thrilled for Neil.”
Southampton must still be eyeing win over Millwall
Regardless of who is in control of Millwall, Martin’s team must be looking to win here.
Following the setback to Hull City, and Leeds United’s victory over Leicester City on Friday, anything less than three points today might put Southampton behind in the automatic promotion battle.
Given how strong they were only a week ago, they can’t afford to let that situation fester.
There is far too much at risk in a return to the Premier League for them to allow it to happen.
Even with the managerial change, Millwall enters this game in terrible form. Given how good they have been for the bulk of the season, Southampton must take advantage of their own position.
Much of that success has occurred at St Mary’s, where they will play today, raising the prospect of a home victory.
With that in mind, Southampton will undoubtedly be disappointed if they do not win on Saturday afternoon.
