The player is expected to miss the Southampton match

Southampton will hope they can put two poor results behind them as Russell Martin’s side face a quick turnaround after Friday night’s 4-1 home defeat to relegation-mates Leicester City at St Mary’s.

However, their meeting on Tuesday night presents Martin with a completely different challenge, as Saints meet Ipswich Town for the first time in a Championship match since March 6, 2012 in a 1-0 draw. -first.

While Kieran McKenna’s side are tipped by outsiders to make a successful return to the Second Division after a four-year absence, few would see them finishing above Southampton in the table at this early stage, but the Tractor Boys have now been found see. 6 places and 5 points higher than opponents.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at Southampton’s team news ahead of the match.

Will Flynn Downes play against his old club?
One of the selection issues facing the Saints boss ahead of Tuesday night’s game is whether central midfielder Flynn Downes is ready to face his former employers.

The midfielder joined Ipswich as a seven-year-old in 2006 and remained at Portman Road until 2021, making 99 appearances and scoring three goals.

Since joining West Ham United on loan in the summer, Downes has featured in Southampton’s three Championship outings, playing the full 90 minutes against QPR and Sunderland alongside Will Smallbone in the heart of midfield.

That continued in Friday night’s heavy defeat to the Foxes, but the 24-year-old was substituted after 50 minutes with a knock and replaced by Carlos Alcaraz.

Although the type of injury was not disclosed, Martin provided an update on the matter according to the Daily Echo.

“Flynn Downes is out and he’s ready for tomorrow, but it won’t be for long.” » Martin said.

Which players are currently available for selection ahead of Tuesday night’s clash? Despite this potential blow, Southampton have had some good news in the build-up to this match, with Jan Bednarek and Kamaldeen Sulemana both in contention to start against Ipswich.

The Poland international defender had started every game under his new head coach before the international break, but was absent on Friday after picking up an injury in the 34th minute in the defeat The national team’s 0-2 against Albania in Euro 2024 qualifying on September 10. . .

However, the aforementioned Daily Echo report states that Bednarek has been given the green light to return to the team.

As for Sulemana, the Ghanaian made his first appearance under Russell Martin on Friday night after a summer filled with injuries and rumors of a possible departure from the club.

After a brilliant debut, the midfielder’s sending off in the 94th minute for a foul on James Justin caused Southampton more misery that night, but this was overturned.

Martin was happy that the referee made the right decision and spoke about the player’s depression at the risk of a three-match suspension.

“I’m excited about what he can come in and do. He was miserable after the game, really miserable having to miss three games after being out for so long.

“I’m really glad they made the right decision after the call and I can’t wait to get him back on the field.”

How will Southampton play against Ipswich Town?
This led to a high-intensity encounter, with Southampton desperate to get back to winning ways.

However, Ipswich have a 100% away record as they head to the south coast, having beaten Sunderland, QPR and most recently Sheffield Wednesday on their away trips, but this match represents one of their toughest challenges since their return. in the championship.

Martin will be under no illusion that the first 15-20 minutes will be crucial, having endured poor starts in their previous two outings.