Why the ‘great’ Southampton player must return to the starting lineup for Hull City.

Southampton will try to strengthen their cause for automatic promotion on Tuesday night.

The Saints will play their game in hand over second-place Leeds United when they visit Hull City at St Mary’s.

A win over the Tigers would take Russell Martin’s side above the Whites, one point ahead of Daniel Farke’s side in the standings.

With the visitors vying for a spot in the Championship’s top six, they will undoubtedly pose a difficult challenge for Southampton.

As a result, some may argue that

should consider reintroducing one player in particular to his starting lineup for this encounter.

Why should Joe Aribo start for Southampton?

For much of this calendar year, the Saints have been without Joe Aribo in midfield.

The 27-year-old has been abroad with Nigeria for the Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped his country reach the final. He finally returned last week.

While Aribo was absent, Martin revealed that Southampton were’missing’ the midfielder.

Indeed, the Saints manager has previously praised the Nigeria international, calling him ‘outstanding‘ earlier in the season.

So, with Aribo back in the fold for Southampton, he should be one of the players Martin turns to when deciding on his starting lineup for the game against Hull City.

Aribo could replace Shea Charles in the starting eleven.

Aribo made his first appearance since returning to Southampton from AFCON on Friday night.

The midfielder came on as a late substitute in the 2-0 victory over West Brom at The Hawthorns.

Aribo made an immediate impact for Southampton in the victory after coming on as a substitute.

According to SofaScore, the 27-year-old completed 90% of his passes against the Baggies. That also featured a crucial pass.

Furthermore, Aribo won all three duels he participated in that night and finished both of his dribble attempts.

The Nigerian appears to have adjusted quickly to life at Southampton.

In contrast, Shea Charles, who Aribo replaced at West Brom, was also substituted at halftime in the previous encounter, a 3-1 defeat at Bristol City.

Charles unable to make an impression in either of the games, his first two Championship starts in 2024.

As a result, given Aribo’s impact so soon after returning to play for Southampton, he may be a better candidate to start for Martin’s side against Hull City on Tuesday.