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- Southampton boss Russell Martin believes there are at least 12 teams fighting for promotion to the Championship this season.
- The Saints currently sit in 10th place, which may be disappointing given the strength of their squad.
- Despite the competitive nature of the championship, they have a chance to climb the rankings and compete for a place in the top six.
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Southampton boss Russell Martin believes the Saints could be one of at least 12 teams in contention for promotion at the end of the season, speaking to BBC Radio Solent.
Compared with last season, this year's championship can be said to be more difficult to participate in this season.
Wigan Athletic and Reading were hampered by points deductions - and Blackpool were particularly poor - giving the other teams a chance of staying in the relegation zone.
Rotherham United are a team that have managed to stay in the second tier but it has become much more difficult for them this season and, unsurprisingly, teams have been relegated and some have been promoted.
Sheffield Wednesday may struggle, but Ipswich Town are top two and Plymouth Argyle are now doing enough to keep their heads above water in this league.
Despite losing three key players this summer, Leeds United, Leicester City and the Saints all have very strong squads and all three have enjoyed varying degrees of success.
Unfortunately for Martin's side, they currently sit in tenth position, a disappointing position for them given the strength of their squad.
They may have lost Tino Liveroment, James Ward-Prowse, Romeo Lavia and other valuable players in the summer transfer window, but after going unbeaten in their first four league matches and picking up 10 points from a possible 12, the Saints will be hopeful. So the playoffs continue.
Four consecutive defeats then halted their progress, but they managed to get back on track with two wins and a draw in their last three league matches.
Their draw against Rotherham United before the international break will leave them disappointed - but they have a chance to make up for it with a win at Hull City this afternoon.
What did Russell Martin say about the championship?
At the time of writing, Martin's side were in 10th place, but just one point off the top six and three points behind third-placed Preston North End.
This confirms how tight the division has been at this early stage of the season, and a win tonight could potentially move South Coast up a few places.
And the Saints boss believes there will still be plenty of teams who could claim promotion at the end of the season.
He said: “It’s never easy in the Championship and I think people need to understand that.
“The competitive nature of this league and the clubs that think they can progress or qualify for the play-offs.
Is Russell Martin right about the championship?
Do you think Martin's prediction will come true?
Leicester and Ipswich Town have shown enough evidence that they will be among the promotion sides at the end of this season, Preston North End will be doing all they can to secure a place in the top six after failing last season and you will support Sunderland and Leeds. . Implied.
Even some lower divisions, including Coventry City and Middlesbrough, are hoping for a place in the promotion mix.
And some of those who weren't promotion contenders last season are now very competitive, including Birmingham City and Cardiff City.
With that in mind, it wouldn't be surprising to see more than 12 teams in the promotion mix heading into the latter stages of the season, with the Saints hoping their strong squad can propel them into the top six.
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