Southampton, unlike most other Championship teams, are not in action this weekend.
Russell Martin’s side had been due to face league leaders Leicester City, in what would have been a huge clash in the race for promotion.
However, the Foxes are instead in FA Cup quarter final action this weekend. That means the clash with the Saints has been postponed until Tuesday 23rd April.
That is something that will be rather frustrating for those of a Southampton persuasion. With that game rescheduled, it denies them the chance to build on the momentum of their recent back to back wins over Birmingham City and Sunderland.
It also leaves them facing a congested fixture schedule after the upcoming March international break, with their game against Preston North End also having to be rearranged.
Meanwhile, Leeds United and Ipswich Town both now have the chance to open the gap on the Saints in the race for automatic promotion, when they play this weekend.
However, in the case of some players, it could actually be a good thing for Southampton that they do not play this weekend.
Herewe’ve taken a look at three players over whose situation the Saints have been given a boost, as a result of the postponement of this clash with Leicester City.
Kyle Walker-Peters could be back for Foxes clash
Southampton have had to do without Kyle Walker-Peters in their last two games, after he was forced off in the FA Cup defeat at Liverpool earlier this month.
Speaking before the Preston North End game was postponed, Martin had suggested he would return against Sunderland. However, the right-back was absent from that game, so there may have been concerns about throwing him back into the side against Leicester City.
But with the clash at King Power Stadium being pushed as far back as it is, these update on Walker-Peters mean he should certainly be available for the rearranged fixture. Given how important he is to the side as one of their most reliable performers with plenty of Premier League ability, that should be a big boost for when this game does finally come around.
Ryan Fraser should be back for Southampton
Another player that Southampton have had to do without in recent times is Ryan Fraser. The on-loan Newcastle United winger has not featured since being forced out of the defeat to Millwall at the end of February.
Martin though, did indicate that he is hopeful of having the Scotsman back after the international break. As a result, he too should be fit for the clash with the Foxes.
He too has plenty of top-flight and promotion experience that could be used in a game like that. Indeed Fraser has made a big impact with goals and assists this season, so he may be one they look to for an impact when this game comes around.
Joe Aribo gets an extended break
It has been something of a busy period for Joe Aribo, who spent the start of the year away at The African Cup of Nations with Nigeria.
Having helped his country make the final of that tournament, he has since returned to play an important role for Southampton in recent weeks, with some key goals. As a result, there have been plenty of demands placed on him.
However, the midfielder has not been called up by Nigeria for the upcoming international break. That should mean that he now has plenty of time to recover physically and mentally from the last few months. In turn, that should ensure he is well set to go again and make another impression for Southampton in the final run-in.