[themaclad]

Preston North End v Southampton

Deepdale 25/10/2023 19.45 hrs

https://www.southamptonfc.com/en

https://www.saintsweb.co.uk/forum/3-sout...ball-club/

https://www.not606.com/threads/preston-v...t-17074108

MANAGER

Russell Kenneth Alexander Martin (born 4 January 1986) is a professional football manager and former player who is the manager of EFL Championship club Southampton.

A former defender, Martin began his playing career at Brighton & Hove Albion's youth academy. He established himself at Wycombe Wanderers in 2004, before moving to Peterborough United in 2008. Martin joined Norwich City in 2010 and made 309 appearances for the club. He then had brief spells with Rangers, Walsall and Milton Keynes Dons. During his playing career, Martin won five promotions (including two Premier League promotions) and was named in the 2014–15 Championship Team of the Year by the Professional Footballers' Association.[3]

Although born in Brighton, England, Martin played in 29 internationals for Scotland. He moved into management in 2019 with Milton Keynes Dons and became head coach of Swansea City in 2021. Two years later, he was appointed manager of Southampton.

Last time the two managers crossed paths Lowe ended up with a four game ban after trying to rearrange Martin's features at Swansea last April

LAST TIME OUT





FORM GUIDE

PNE 3 SAINTS 14
Saints won last two away matches

IN FORM



DEALINGS



A BIT OF PREVIOUS



Yonks since we've played these lads cannot remember the League Cup game last home league game threw away a 2 goal lead, actually good to see a side who we have rarely met over the last 20 years.

RICHARD CHAPLOW LOOKALLIKE AWARD

Will Smallbone



DANGER MAN

Adam Armstrong good at this level

Who’s Available?

Ryan Lowe will be able to call upon the same squad which took a point at home to Millwall at the weekend.

Ched Evans made his long-awaited return to action from the bench in that fixture after seven months out.

The three players away recently on international duty – Alan Browne, Liam Millar and Milutin Osmajić – weren’t risked from the start against the Lions but they'll be pushing to be in the XI on Wednesday night.

Andrew Hughes, who the manager was hoping would be back for this one, won't be available due to injury, but he might make the weekend's trip to Hull.

Opposition Focus


Following relegation from the Premier League last season, it’s been an up-and-down start to life back in the Championship for Southampton.

Under new management in former Swansea City boss Russell Martin, the Saints started the season well but then suffered four successive defeats, conceding 11 goals in those matches.

Since then, though, they seem to have turned a corner, taking ten points from their last four, and they’ll be hoping to continue that form as they look to make an instant return to the top flight.

Match Officials

Referee: Jeremy Simpson
Assistant Referee: Rob Smith and Mark Pottage
Fourth Official: David Webb

Jeremy Simpson, who refereed North End's 1-0 victory away at Sheffield Wednesday earlier this season, will take charge on Wednesday night.

In total so far this campaign, he's refereed nine matches, showing 29 yellow cards and one red.

MACS VIEW

Up against a side who have just hit form, might be a bit sparky on the touch line between the two managers, they will give you chances with our Russ's pass it out from the back routine, totally different game to Saturday, rare visitors and the EFL being the scamps they are have scheduled the rematch for midweek as well