Will Still will know Sport Republic decision looms if one thing happens in Southampton's match v Preston | OneFootball

Will Still fate as Southampton manager hangs in the balance as Preston result may determine it

Southampton will know the importance of getting three points this coming weekend against Preston North End in Championship action, as Will Still faces potentially increased heat from the club owners, Sport Republic.

It's been far from the ideal start to Still's managerial career at Southampton, with the Saints currently sat just above the relegation zone in 20th position.

With 12 points on the board a dozen games down, Saints fans would've expected their side to be right in amongst the top spots after being tipped as promotion candidates prior to the season's start - and especially after their transfer splurge towards the end of the summer window..

Without a win in four and suffering back-to-back losses against Bristol City and Blackburn, the 33-year-old boss is in the limelight due to his side's inconsistency. With pressure mounting on the Saints to get back to winning ways at St. Mary's against PNE this coming weekend, the manager will know that the fate of his job may hang in the balance if they don't earn three points.

Just five months after being handed a three-year contract by ownership group, Sport Republic, question marks have been raised about whether the young manager will last the course of the 46-game season.

Southampton's result against Preston may determine Will Still's future at St. Mary's

After facing the drop from the Premier League last season, Southampton, unsurprisingly, had a big overhaul on the pitch as well as in the dugout.

The likes of Manuel Fernandes, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Aaron Ramsdale all departing the club in the summer left a void to be filled heading into their first campaign back in the second tier, and their absences have shown in the early stages.

As for Still, some Saints fans could argue that the potential sack calls are perhaps harsh on the former Reims manager. However, after such a draw-heavy start to the campaign, having come away with one point in 50 per cent of their opening 12 matches, the Saints have lacked that killer instinct to come away victors.

With Preston on the horizon, you'd seem to think that three points must be had for Southampton, otherwise Sport Republic may have to take action over whom the man on the touchline will be for the future in order to achieve their goals of getting back to the Premier League.

With that feat looking like an uphill battle despite not even being in the Christmas period yet, they are seven points off the Lilywhites, who currently sit just outside the play-off places due to goal difference.

Southampton's attack must improve in order for Will Still's job security

Upon the 3-1 defeat against Bristol City, Still gave his verdict on his side lacking that cutting edge needed in front of goal, and that has been a common theme this season.

However, the Saints still have the second-highest xG total behind unbeaten league leaders, Coventry City, and have carved out 26 big chances, 19 of which have been wasted.

Therefore, you'd seem to think that even if half a dozen more of those chances found the net, then these types of conversations about Still wouldn't be on people's lips.

Due to their current situation being just above the drop zone though, football is very much a results-based game, especially in the role of a manager, and if things aren't going your way in terms of points, regardless of performance, then action must be taken.

With time fast running out upon Still's tenure, the Saints need to foster some momentum and fast, as they have very much been reliant on Adam Armstrong as their number 9 for goals, without others such as Cameron Archer and Finn Azaz making their mark as of yet.

Armstrong is the club's top goalscorer this season with four league goals, and for a side that have their sights set on promotion, the goalscoring figures have to improve.

Judging by Southampton's success in the final third up until the finish, you would like to think that at some point, positive results will come the way of Still and Southampton, which in turn would see them climb up the ever-congested Championship table.

However, failure to do so, starting with their hosting of Preston, another change in manager may be inevitable heading towards the busy schedule that the winter period offers.