After Wrexham's home win against Swansea City on Friday night, Southampton have slipped six points behind their playoff rivals.
Only a win at the Coventry Building Society Arena will keep things in Southampton's own hands, with a game in hand and a trip to Wrexham still to come in April.
Both Léo Scienza (groin) and Ross Stewart (unknown) are likely to miss the trip to Coventry through injury, placing additional pressure on newcomer Cyle Larin and previously frozen-out winger, Samuel Edozie.
Predicted Southampton lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper and defenders
Goalkeeper - Daniel Peretz: Southampton’s new starting goalkeeper has been a revelation since signing in January. Despite some questionable distribution at times, Peretz has been a great addition to Eckert’s side. Another fine performance at West Bromwich Albion has kept Southampton in the hunt.
Right back - James Bree: The English full back suffered quite a blow to the head at the Hawthorns. Assuming there have been no ill effects, he will surely start against the Sky Blues.
Centre back - Taylor Harwood-Bellis: An unusually poor display by his high standards at West Brom. Harwood-Bellis will be keen to show what he can do against a top Championship side.
Centre-back - Jack Stephens: Tonda Eckert will continue with his best pairing against Frank Lampard's attack. The captain fits the bill.
Left-back - Ryan Manning: Manning has proven that he is the man for the big moments, and with Léo Scienza unavailable, the Irish full-back could be called upon to take all of the corners and free-kicks.
Midfielders
Centre midfield - Flynn Downes: The combative midfielder was withdrawn relatively early in the West Brom stalemate, probably with the intention that he would be available for selection at Coventry.
Centre midfield - Caspar Jander: Shea Charles played the full ninety at the Hawthorns, and he is unlikely to be fresh enough to start at Coventry. Jander, who has struggled of late, could be set for a recall.
Attacking midfield - Finn Azaz: The Irishman will retain his place despite a sloppy performance against West Brom. Azaz is one of the few creative players who can unlock a defence as stubborn as Coventry City's.
Attackers
Right winger - Tom Fellows: Despite not starting against the Baggies, Fellows could replace Kuryu Matsuki on the left wing. Matsuki's performance on Wednesday night was dire and Fellows is due a run of better performances.
Left winger - Samuel Edozie: The frozen-out winger under Will Still is owed a place in Tonda Eckert's starting lineup today. He bagged an assist for Cyle Larin's last-gasp equaliser on Wednesday and looked threatening when he came on with 20 minutes left on the clock.
Striker - Cyle Larin: Ross Stewart may not be available after coming off at half-time on Wednesday. Larin had another massive game in the second half against the Baggies, and he should start ahead of Stewart even if the Scotsman is available for consideration.