I would argue that Bernardo, Montoya, Bissouma and Ali Jak all need game time as preparation for Southampton. All of these players are only just settling in with minimal playing time this season apart from Montoya who has played a bit more, but still settling in.
A potential 3 week break for the normal starting 11 isn't helpful. They need this game time in the fight against relegation. Any players on the fringes will get their chance later in the league or cup when and if players get injured.
Whenever we have a break we hear the excuse that players...