It’s been a good time for an international break for Russell Martin and co.
Saints have three defeats from three, have only one goal scored and are languishing in 19th in the table. The only solace was progression in the Carabao Cup and some encouraging production off the bench on an otherwise shambolic start to life back in the Premier League.
With Manchester United at St. Mary’s up next this weekend, Martin has some decisions to make.
In terms of personnel, a few candidates have staked their claims for starting spots.
Cameron Archer, scored a brace in the cup, Adam Lallana came off the bench for the final eight minutes at Brentford and grabbed an assist. Mateus Fernandes picked up a goal and an assist in the first start at Cardiff. But perhaps the brightest star in the opening month has been the surprise package of Tyler Dibling.
He is yet to start in the league but has been involved in all three games off the bench and turned some heads. In the Forest loss, he came on for the final 12 minutes, made three successful dribbles and won five duels. He was rewarded with a start at Cardiff in the cup and bagged two assists. I felt his inclusion would have warranted a start at Brentford, but had to settle for another appearance off the bench.
Hopefully his time will come this weekend. Ideally, I’d like to see a formation change to a 4-3-3 with Jack Stephens the unlucky omission from the back five. Archer to be given a go from the off as that central figure, with Will Smallbone and Joe Aribo making way for Dibling and Mateus Fernandes.
Find more from Ray Hunt at the In that Number podcast
