Russell Martin’s time at Southampton is running out after his side’s latest defeat. Saints looked to be heading for a first Premier League win of the season on Saturday when they led Leicester City 2-0 after an hour, but the visitors fought back to level before Jordan Ayew’s 97-winning goal. left St Mary’s stunned for a minute.

The result leaves Southampton 19th in the table with just one point from eight games and Martin’s men face champions Manchester City this weekend.

Crucial games against Everton and Wolves will follow, and failure to take three points in the latter match in particular is sure to put the English manager under attack. Express Sport looks at the top five candidates who could replace him…

Graham Potter

The former Swansea, Brighton and Chelsea manager has been unemployed since leaving Stamford Bridge in April 2023. Potter was seemingly cautious about returning to football, but having been overlooked for the England job, now appears to be the right time to return. club management.

The situation in Southampton seems designed for him. A man with a reputation for lifting struggling teams with few resources while playing attractive football could yet save the Saints from the fall.

Gareth Southgate

Glenn Hoddle has left the England squad for Southampton and it is possible that Southgate could now follow suit. At the very least, he will have a positive atmosphere and support for his players – the same qualities for which he was widely praised during his time in charge of the national team.

However, his wage demands may prove to be a stumbling block as his salary was more than £5 million a year when he left the FA this summer. Saints will also have to act quickly, or at least before Erik ten Hag is sacked, given Southgate’s ongoing links to Manchester United.

Jessie Marsh

The American had previously been on Southampton’s radar and appeared poised to take his place following the sacking of Nathan Jones in February 2023. Negotiations fell through at the eleventh hour on that occasion, but Marsh will certainly be tempted to relinquish his role as head coach. Canada if he gets another chance to make it to the Premier League.

Kjetil Knutsen

A left-field candidate, but one who is now linked with so many jobs in British football that it will be a disappointment if he doesn’t get it soon. He led FC Bodo/Glimt in Norway very successfully and helped them compete well in Europe, making him the early favorite to take over at Brighton when Roberto De Zerbi left earlier this year.

Marcelo Gallardo

Mauricio Pochettino, Mauricio Pellegrino, Marcelo Gallardo? Another man previously closely linked with the Southampton job following Jones’ departure, the River Plate manager would be an intriguing appointment for a club that has not been shy about hiring Argentine managers.

However, he only returned to his current club in August, so much will depend on the terms of the contract and his desire to work in the Premier League. He is also respected at River, having previously won a number of awards there as a player and coach.