Southampton have just one game standing between them and a place in the Wembley play-off final on 26th May.
The semi-final second leg at home against West Brom on Friday night is the match in question, with the two sides knowing it is a winner takes all scenario after their 0-0 draw on Sunday.
The return leg sees Southampton welcome the Baggies to St Mary’s with Russell Martin‘s side having the benefit of home advantage to help them in their bid to face either Leeds United or Norwich City in the final.
Southampton defended resolutely in the away leg against West Brom and earned their clean sheet, but will be expected to take the initiative more at home which could leave them slightly more vulnerable to the counter-attack.
However, Gareth Ainsworth was a guest on the BBC Football Daily podcast and explained why he thinks a tactical tweak could make the Saints more solid in the second leg.
Gareth Ainsworth believes Southampton should change formation
Ainsworth has experience play-off success having steered Wycombe Wanderers to an unlikely Championship promotion at Wembley in 2020.
The 51-year-old was most recently manager of QPR before being sacked in October, but appeared alongside Jobi McAnuff on the Football Daily podcast to discuss the play-offs.
McAnnuf made reference to the fact Martin has recently changed shape from the 4-3-3 he has played for the bulk of the season to a back five and commented on how this has given Southampton a more solid look.
However, Ainsworth does not think Martin should continue with this tactic on Friday night, believing it will actually make them less solid defensively.
Ainsworth said: “If he plays a five, Russell, I think that will leave him more open.”
“Even thought it’s five defenders, I think it leaves him more open down the sides because Corberan really likes to get down the sides when he’s counter-attacking.
“I think, actually, if he does go to a four, I think they’ll be actually more solid in a strange way. I think they’ll be more solid at home with a four at the back.”
Russell Martin must trust what has got Southampton this far
Southampton have enjoyed some real success playing the 4-3-3 shape that Martin has favoured this season.
However, the change in shape that was initially sprung against Leeds on the final day of the season saw the Saints put an end to a run of three consecutive defeats with a 2-1 win and an impressive performance to match.
Therefore, it was not surprising to see Martin repeat the trick away from home in the first leg on Sunday.
It made sense with Che Adams not fit to make the squad, too, as Adam Armstrong has struggled as the lone striker this season so having Sekou Mara up front alongside him seemed sensible.
Unfortunately, neither made their mark as Southampton looked blunt in attack but, with Adams likely to return on Friday night, Martin can return to the system that the players now know so well.
Having beaten West Brom in both league games this season, the Saints should be confident that if they play their own game the way they know they can then they will triumph over their more defence-minded opponents.