Who should start in the left-back role—Kyle Peters or Charlie Taylor?

Southampton's season so far has been much underwhelming than they had expected it to be. Still searching for their first win, after the five fixtures and having a single point, Southampton currently finds itself in the potential relegation zone. This far, Southampton boss Russell Martin has tried much, bringing some changes, which did improve the squad a bit, but his search for the win is still on.

Who should start in the left-back role—Kyle Peters or Charlie Taylor?

However, considering their upcoming fixture is against Bournemouth, against whom they hold excellent past records, Martin won't hesitate to make some tough decisions. One such issue has been deciding the pecking order for the left-back role between veteran Charlie Taylor and seasoned star Kyle Walker. While Taylor has looked better, keeping Walker might be difficult, and thus the question arises, Who should start in the left-back role—Kyle Peters or Charlie Taylor?

Yukinari Suguwara's emergence in the right-back role, being one of the most consistent players for Martin's side, has created issues for Walker-Peters, who has been one of the seasoned stars of the club. Moreover, the recent performance of Charlie Taylor, who was initially brought in to give a rather balanced feel being a conventional left-footed left back, has been excellent, questioning Walker-Peters' place in the playing XI.

However, as has Russell Martin's ideology for success been, he didn't fear to put one of his best players on the bench, considering much stability in the Suguwara-Taylor wingback duo. Also, with such a brilliant 3-point opportunity coming their way against Bournemouth, chances are rare he would change this setup.

While speaking on his decision to drop Walker-Peters on the bench, Martin was much clearer as he said,

"“On Tuesday, I told the guys that they need to put in a performance that can put them in the team on the weekend. I thought Charlie did that. With a natural left-footer on that side, I think it gives us a different option there with more balance.""

- Russell Martin

Moreover, mentioning that the 27-year-old needs to put up a fight back to find a place again, Martin has made it clear enough that he would be going with Charlie Taylor for the fixture. Although it keeps putting a star player out of the lineup, Russell Martin and the Saints club would be significantly happy if they manage to get the complete 3 points against Bournemouth.