Southampton manager Russell Martin is going to need to change his preferred centre-back choice following Jan Bednarek’s suspension for the upcoming visit of West Brom
Russell Martin will have to break up his preferred Southampton centre-back partnership on Saturday next weekend for the visit of West Bromwich Albion.
The Saints boss has started experienced Poland international Jan Bednarek alongside summer signing Taylor Harwood-Bellis in seven of the last eight Championship games, with the duo helping keep a clean sheet during Saturday’s 1-0 win over Millwall
A yellow card shown to Bednarek during added-time for a foul on Zian Flemming means the 27-year-old will now miss the clash with the Baggies, with the caution being his fifth of the campaign so 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.
Mason Holgate was the player Martin turned to against Preston North End in October to partner Bednarek when Harwood-Bellis was left out of the squad to build his fitness, though the Everton loanee has not featured since.
Shea Charles meanwhile has featured in 13 of 15 games so far this season and has played at centre-back during that time as well as in his more natural defensive midfield role.
