Is it Rooney time at St Mary's?published at 12:15 British Summer Time 28 October 2023
Southampton v Birmingham (12:30 BST)
Southampton will be looking to extend their five game unbeaten run when they host an unsettled Birmingham City this lunchtime.
Russell Martin has a few injuries in his camp and was forced into making a raft of changes during their midweek draw at Preston.
The 37-year-old manager defended his decision making on squad and playing style ahead of today’s fixture saying there was; “no right or wrong way to play football” and doubling down on his belief that his squad were on the up.
Meanwhile, Birmingham have struggled so far under new boss Wayne Rooney with two losses in two matches and they’ve dropped from fifth in the table to 12th.
The former England captain has admitted he may have to tone down the attempt to please his owners' demands to play "no fear" football.
Saints have recorded two wins, two draws and two losses at St Mary’s so far this campaign whilst the Blues haven’t won away since mid-August.
In a congested top third of the table - a win could do big things for both teams.