Nigel Adkins has the proverbial good news and bad news ahead of the clash against Leeds United at Elland Road tonight.

Speaking on the Club's official website Saints boss Nigel Adkins seems very confident that Rickie Lambert will start tonights game at Elland Road, he says that Lambert trained on both Monday & Tuesday with no problems, had a rest day on Wednesday and then came through Thursday fine, this looks very much like Lambert will be fit and ready to play judging by the managers comments, although with the fact that its strange for Adkins to be so forthcoming with comments about injured players, there is always the chance that he is trying to double bluff Leeds a bit on this one.

In the same interview he states that the situation surrounding Adam Lallana is not so clear, it seems that the midfielder has had a modified training schedule this week and it could be that he will not be chanced in Yorkshire but saved for the visit of Ipswich, at best it looks like Lallana will be on the bench but it will be a late decision.

Otherwise Adkins has a plethora of options to partner Lambert up front, or even replace him if he is playing a game of bluff, Billy Sharp has benefitted from a weekend off after not playing at Watford and has another weeks training under his belt, with Tadanari Lee having to fly to Japan and back in the space of a few days to play for his Country, he might be feeling the strain and that could mean a start for Sharp.

Also in contention are David Connolly, Lee Barnard and Guly, meaning that whatever the injury situation at the moment he has six strikers to choose from.

If Lallna doesnt play thats more of a conundrum, Richard Chaplow can slot in on the left if needed, but then who will play on the right ? Adkins has no shortage there, Guly, Jason Puncheon, De Ridder, even Falque, without even considering trying something different like playing Frazer Richardson or Danny Butterfield there.

As I have often stated Saints have a big squad with plenty of options, if used correctly then this could be a big advantage in the run in, there are a lot of tough games coming up thick and fast for everyone, we have an edge in this area, lets use it.

Photo: Action Images

tiptop added 10:25 - Mar 3 If hes fit i'd give Richardson the nod. Get at 'em and turn the crowd. Chaplow and Puncheon again who as SaintNick50 says would love to prove a point I'm sure. I've got a feeling NA will go Connolly to start ahead of Sharp with RL. No keeper again? hmmm, no nerves here! Guly is back fit so I think he'llmake the bench if they rest Lee for Tues. Subs: Martin, Hammond, Guly, Sharp, de Ridder *I know SdR's end product is lacking but I still think he can still play a part (goal away to Reading). Leeds have conceded late too.

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