Southampton are still in with a chance of gaining automatic promotion, aided by Russell Martin’s immense talent.
Southampton start the international break nine points behind second-place Leicester, who were previously leading the Championship by a comfortable margin.
With two games in hand after defeating Birmingham City and Sunderland, Russell Martin’s side will be hopeful of closing the deficit and entering the league’s top two.
Although the unrelenting pace set at the top casts doubt on their chances, the Saints should not be underestimated, as they still face Ipswich Town, Leicester, and Leeds United on the last day.
Southampton’s promotion chances are further aided by the presence of players capable of changing a game.
Martin has the luxury of fielding a great starting lineup that is far too excellent for the Championship, with Stuart Armstrong in midfield, David Brooks on the flank, and Adam Armstrong up forward.
Those three players, along with several others, are the primary reasons Southampton is in with a serious chance of returning to the Premier League.
Adrian Clarke hails Southampton trio as ‘real class’
Martin has plenty of options across the pitch in a star-studded Saints lineup that features Che Adams, Jan Bednarek, and Kyle Walker-Peters.
This makes it difficult to single out a few players for praise, but on the What the EFL?! podcast, analyst Adrian Clarke was particularly impressed by Stuart Armstrong, Brooks, and Adam Armstrong.
He feels that three players can win matches on their own and should not be overlooked in the promotion race.
“They’ve also got some real class individuals like David Brooks,” Clarke went on to say. “I think Stuart Armstrong has been terrific this season, as has Adam Armstrong. In these major games, they have players who can win on their own. So, I wouldn’t rule them out just yet.
Southampton’s attack is clicking into gear
Southampton should not be discounted from the promotion chase.
The Saints have two games in hand and have every potential of gaining maximum points to close the gap on their opponents, but any dropped points would be devastating at this juncture in the season.
Southampton’s deadly assault has kicked into high gear after scoring four goals against Birmingham and Sunderland.
A two-week respite from action currently allows the players to relax and allows Martin to stress his style on the practice field ahead of an action-packed schedule.
Southampton face nine games in 29 days, which will be physically demanding on the players. However, if they can maintain their clinical edge at that time, the Saints will be a team to dread.
