Southampton may have seen a new twist in the Championship promotion chase over the last few days.
Russell Martin’s team is now fourth in the table, eight points back of the automatic promotion positions. They are also 11 points behind Leicester City, the league leaders.
However, it has been revealed that the Foxes are facing penalty for violating profit and sustainability standards.
However, with suggestions that a points deduction may occur next season rather than this one if the club is promoted, Southampton are reportedly keeping an eye on the situation.
The club may take legal action if they believe Leicester City has obtained an unfair sporting advantage.
However, it appears that Martin has not yet given much attention to this scenario.
Russell Martin quizzed on Leicester City situation
Given the potential impact on his team, Martin has obviously been asked about what is going on at The King Power Stadium.
However, the Southampton manager does not appear to be concerned with the situation at this time.
Instead, he appears to be focusing his own team’s results in the coming weeks.
When asked how he would feel if Leicester City’s points deduction was applied next season instead of this season, Martin answered Sky Sports:
Given the potential impact on his team, Martin has obviously been asked about what is going on at The King Power Stadium.
However, the Southampton manager does not appear to be concerned with the situation at this time.
Instead, he appears to be focusing his own team’s results in the coming weeks.
When asked how he would feel if Leicester City’s points deduction was applied next season instead of this season, Martin answered Sky Sports:
Southampton face Sunderland at St Mary’s on Saturday afternoon.
Southampton must keep focus on themselves
Martin’s approach is sensible.
Even if Leicester City receives a points deduction, Southampton still faces competition from two other teams for automatic promotion.
Leeds United and Ipswich Town are both in fantastic form right now, and they have opened up a bit of a gap on Southampton.
As a result, even if the Foxes lose points this season, it is unlikely that Southampton would be promoted automatically.
As a result, Martin and his team must continue to strive for as many positive outcomes as possible.
If they do that, they may be able to secure a top-two finish. If not, it puts them in a better position to capitalize if Leicester City is penalized with a point deduction this season.
Otherwise, it will at least ensure that Southampton has some momentum heading into the play-offs.
With that in mind, while it will be intriguing to observe how things play out here, the Saints must prioritize other matters for the time being.
