How can Southampton replace Stuart Armstrong for the playoffs?

The Scotland international's season was cut short by injury at Cardiff last month, leaving Southampton without their most creative midfielder.

Since Armstrong's injury, Russell Martin has trialled several players in that role to mixed results.

The boss has admitted how tough it is to replace Armstrong, who has been a chance creation hub all season.

"I think he's been one of the best players in the league this season," Martin told the Daily Echo. "Of course, he is a tough guy to replace."

We have taken a look at four ways Martin could look to fix their Armstrong issue against West Brom in the playoff semi-final...

Bring David Brooks back into the role

As mentioned, Brooks was tried out in the Armstrong role during Southampton's drab 1-0 defeat to Stoke at home.

Perhaps it should not be a surprise that he did not immediately thrive in a new role having had limited training ground time to get to grips with the demands.

However, there was cause to believe that he can be successfully deployed in midfield.

Much like his Scottish teammate, Brooks enjoys driving at the opposition and his eye for a pass is almost unmatched in the division.

Asked for his verdict on Brooks previous performance in that role, Martin said: "He probably didn't enjoy it as much as he could have done.

"It was a tough game for us, but I know Brooksy can play in that role. It's very different to what we have asked him to do.

"But he has done it in training and I have no problem with putting him in that role again. He has to get in front of guys like Joe Aribo and Will Smallbone first."

Southampton loanee David Brooks (Image: Stuart Martin)

Keep things as they were at Leeds United

Speaking of Aribo and Smallbone, the system Southampton deployed at Elland Road gave the duo a licence to make late attacking runs.

Those runs have been a trademark of Smallbone's goals this season and he repeated the trick to score the winner in Yorkshire.

"Poetry in motion from Southampton" 📖

Saints back in front at Elland Road! 👀 pic.twitter.com/MwEfHJg6Ik

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 4, 2024

In attack, Aribo could also push forward to create a front three, but out of possession, the Nigerian international would drop back to create a three-man midfield.

The fluidity of positional change allowed Flynn Downes to thrive and showcase his underrated attacking output.

Much like the injured Armstrong, Downes can leave defenders in his shadow when driving from deep.

Adam Armstrong back into midfield?

Early in the season, Adam Armstrong surprised many by playing in midfield and doing so brilliantly.

This suggestion would not work from the off, Armstrong's goalscoring ability is far too important to be lost to the midfield. However, shifting him backwards could be done late on in games.

Adam Armstrong is Southampton's top scorer this season (Image: PA)

Teams often throw caution to the wind as they chase a late winner to book their ticket to Wembley.

If Southampton find themselves in that position, dropping Armstrong deeper could be a good way to retain his threat while also adding fresh legs to the wide areas.

Is youth the answer?

Some supporters have called on teenager Tyler Dibling, 18, to be given a chance having impressed for the Under-21s this season.

Dibling has only played seven minutes of Championship football, a late substitute appearance against Sheffield Wednesday his one and only cameo.

Most of the England youth prospect's involvement has come in the FA Cup (142 minutes).

Tyler Dibling against Sheffield Wednesday (Image: Stuart Martin)Always full of confidence, the attacker is always willing to drive at defenders with power and pace, something which could help replace Armstrong's ball progression.

However, a sharp step up in involvement at this late stage looks very unlikely. Martin has already played down the chances of Southampton's youngsters being a part of the playoffs.

"To get them ready for games of such big magnitude is probably not beneficial to them or us right now," Martin said ahead of facing Stoke.

None of Dibling, Sam Amo-Ameyaw or Jayden Meghoma have made a matchday squad for the last three games.

With Ross Stewart fit again, Saints have yet another attacking option, decreasing the likelihood of Dibling's involvement.