Middlesbrough vs. Southampton

With 10 games remaining in the last five weeks of the season, the Saints’ fate will be determined over the Easter weekend as to whether they advance automatically or through the play-off lottery.

Southampton fans may not be happy with the table at first glance, but if we win our two remaining games, it will demonstrate that there is still competition at the top.

However, if we don’t continue winning the other games, the two games we currently have would mean nothing, and a loss is not an option.

Though Boro drew their most recent game, their previous three victories had kept them out of the relegation zone, so it won’t be simple.

pack, and they now have aspirations of making a last-ditch run for the playoffs.

In that sense, their trip to St. Mary’s will be somewhat of a last-gasp opportunity for them; if they lose, they might find themselves 10 points out of the final play-off berth with just 8 games remaining and all dreams crushed.

Russell Martin has stated that, barring long-term injuries, he has a full roster to choose from, which includes Ryan Fraser, who is back after missing five weeks; however, in that time, he has only missed two League games because of FA Cup matches and the fire outside St Mary’s Stadium.

It’s also said that David Brooks is well after enduring

injury, but Martin must decide whether to risk one of them right away. Based on his training this week, Fraser is likely to return to the starting lineup, while Brooks might not be fully recovered from his illness and will likely start on the bench.

All eyes will be on the back four, though, as Kyle Walker Peters, who has been one of the team’s key players this season, has been back in training for more than two weeks and is fit. Will Russell Martin stick to his odd strategy of trying to play Jack Stephens at all costs, though?

This implies

Stephens could play right back with KWP moved to the left, or he could start in the center of defense with Taylor Harwood Bellis at right back and KWP on the left. It’s possible that we’ll see Stephens shoehorned into any of the back four positions.

The manager has a lot of options along the back line, but the easiest option is to keep things simple. Ryan Manning is an attacking option at left back, though James Bree or Jack Stephens are also viable defensive options. KWP, Harwood-Bellis, and Jan Bednarek have all been excellent this season; they must be played in their usual positions.

Downes, Smallbone, and Stuart Armstrong appear to be our best alternatives in the center of midfield; Martin only needs to consider his offensive options.

Adam Armstrong is spot on, although it’s still debatable whether he plays out wide or centrally.

In my opinion, Ryan Fraser coming back on the left, Che Adams in the middle, and Adam Armstrong on the right would be the best lineup.

As usual, though, our strength off the bench will see us through. This season, David Brooks, Joe Rothwell, and Sam Edozie have all contributed significantly, and we also have Joe Aribo, Sulemana, Sekou Mara, and Shea Charles, in addition to the already mentioned Jack Stephens and James Bree.