Russell Martin’s starting lineup for Southampton against West Brom could include players who have been suspended.
Russell Martin, the manager of Southampton, will have to substitute a different center-back for Jan Bednarek due to his ban for the forthcoming West Brom match.
When West Bromwich Albion visits Southampton on Saturday, Russell Martin will have to split up his favorite center-back duo.
In seven of the previous eight Championship games, the Saints manager has started summer signing Taylor Harwood-Bellis with seasoned Poland international Jan Bednarek. The pair helped preserve a clean sheet during Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Millwall.
Bednarek, 27, will now miss the match against the Baggies after receiving a yellow card during extra time for a foul on Zian Flemming. This is the sixth caution of the season thus far.
Martin now has a big decision to make in who he selects to replace Bednarek at the back that will be able to keep out a West Brom side that have scored 25 goals in 15 league matches so far.
When Harwood-Bellis was left out of the team to regain his fitness, Martin looked to Mason Holgate to join Bednarek against Preston North End in October. However, the Everton loanee has not appeared since.
Shea Charles, on the other hand, has started 13 of the 15 games he has participated in this season, playing both defensive midfield and center back.
It’s unlikely that club captain Jack Stephens will be fit enough to slot straight back into the defence, though Martin will likely provide an update on the centre-back next week as he closes in on a return from injury.
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