Russell Martin Manager
Saints are set to host Championship strugglers Stoke on Tuesday, following four consecutive Premier League defeats that have left Martin’s side at the bottom of the table. The St Mary’s outfit previously reached the semi-final of the Carabao Cup during the 2022/23 season, a season that ultimately ended in their relegation from the top flight. Despite the recent challenges, Martin views this match as a crucial opportunity for a much-needed win and to create positive momentum ahead of important fixtures against Everton and Wolves.
Russell Martin said, “I think it’s the most important game we’ve had this season. We need to try and win to get to a quarter-final of a cup. It’s a big, big game for us so there definitely won’t be 11 changes. There will be some, such is the nature of it. We have two big games after but this is the most important one. We’ll play the team we feel is most ready to win. We’ll show them all the stuff from Manchester City that they did so brilliantly and show them some stuff we need to improve on. Then we need to put it into practice at home where the expectation is a bit different – because those are the games that are going to be so important to us.”
Stoke currently sit 19th in the second tier with 12 points from 12 matches, although they managed an impressive 6-1 victory over Portsmouth at the beginning of October. There is anticipation surrounding the match as the Japanese player is expected to start if deemed fit, while players such as Flynn Downes, Adam Lallana, and Tyler Dibling might be rested. This could provide an opportunity for Adam Armstrong, whose only start since August was in the previous round of the cup at Everton.
