Ryan Manning eyes Southampton’s late push for automatics after 17-match unbeaten streak | OneFootball

Ryan Manning believes automatic promotion remains possible for Southampton after a 2-1 win over John Eustace's Derby County extended their unbeaten run to 17. A trip to Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday offers another chance to tighten their grip on the play-offs.

According to Sainstmarching.com, Saints have seen off nearest play-off rivals Wrexham and Derby and aim to cement a top-six berth through April, with an FA Cup semi-final also on the horizon.

A win on Tuesday would take them to 72 points, eight clear of seventh-placed Wrexham and level with Middlesbrough in fourth. If Portsmouth beat Ipswich Town the same night and Southampton also win, Tonda Eckert's men would be three points off the top two.

It is a stark turnaround, with Will Still previously leaving the side near the relegation zone before his dismissal, and Eckert overseeing the surge. Manning, 29, delivered the late free-kick for Taylor Harwood-Bellis's winner against the Rams and made four key passes.

He has 10 goal contributions this season.

The left-back started 29 league games in the regular 2023/24 campaign under Russell Martin, which ended in play-off final ecstasy at Wembley.

Manning said Saints can half think about automatics but, after sitting 21st at one stage, their immediate focus remains securing the play-offs. He added that if they keep winning the next three or four and play themselves into contention, then happy days.

Source: Sainstmarching.com