Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has a lot to think about ahead of his side’s penultimate home game of the league season.
Bristol City, now managed by 78-year-old Roy Hodgson, have nothing to play for in their final games of the 2025/26 campaign, but will travel to St Mary’s hoping to cause an upset.
There is a huge 45-year age gap between the two managers, and Tonda Eckert will hope to win the tactical battle on the night, where dropped points for Millwall at Stoke and a Saints win sends them into the top two, at least for the time being.
Predicted Saints lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper and defenders
Goalkeeper - Daniel Peretz: Southampton’s number one has been an ever-present in goal since his arrival in January. Despite a poor piece of goalkeeping for Swansea City’s one and only goal on Saturday, there’s no competition for his spot in the Saints’ squad.
Right back - James Bree: Another arrival in January, but instead of a signing, Bree rejoined the squad upon the end of his loan at Charlton Athletic. The Saints have been unbeaten since his return, and will hope to continue this run beyond Tuesday night.
Centre back - Taylor Harwood-Bellis: If Southampton are to go up, they’ll need Harwood-Bellis fit. He’s been one of the best defenders in the Championship since the turn of the year and is irreplaceable at the back for Saints.
Centre back - Jack Stephens: Despite losing his place in the starting eleven on Saturday, as Tonda Eckert looked to Nathan Wood to deal with league top scorer Zan Vipotnik, the Saints skipper will take his place back on Tuesday evening.
Left back - Welington: With Ryan Manning suspended for the FA Cup Semi-Final on Saturday, Welington needs game time to get up to speed after his injury. Short cameos against Blackburn Rovers and Wrexham are unlikely to have been enough to do that - the Brazilian should get the nod on Tuesday night.
Midfielders
Centre midfielder - Flynn Downes: Saints midfielder Downes has been on top form for Southampton since Tonda Eckert changed to play four-at-the-back, putting the midfielder in his natural position. Despite the cup semi-final fastly approaching, Eckert will be looking to take games one at a time.
Centre midfielder - Shea Charles: Northern Ireland international Shea Charles only played 45 minutes on Saturday, replacing Flynn Downes. The two operated together in Southampton’s 5-1 win over Wrexham, and could be in line to play together again on Tuesday.
Attacking midfielder - Finn Azaz: Southampton’s vital cog in their goal-scoring machine at the moment, Azaz is central to what Tonda Eckert wants to do. A shoo-in to start against Bristol City.
Attackers
Right winger - Tom Fellows: Kuryu Matsuki and Tom Fellows have rotated a lot on the right-hand side this season, and this could be a game for the young English winger to get his turn. If Ross Stewart is to rotate out as well, having the brilliant crosser Fellows at his service will be ideal.
Left winger - Leo Scienza: Southampton will play Leo Scienza in every game that they can afford to until the end of the season. Given this is a must-win, he will surely start.
Striker - Cyle Larin: With Ross Stewart starting on the weekend, and the semi-final against Manchester City coming up, this is the only position Eckert is likely to be forced into thinking long-term about. Stewart’s temperament for injury will likely mean Larin starts, which is no bad thing.
While Cameron Archer had his best week in a Saints shirt, with a goal and an assist against Blackburn Rovers and a match-winning volley at Swansea, Eckert has only ever started him against teams that play back fives. While he could be rewarded with a start, history suggests Eckert will go for his usual selections against a Bristol City team that hasn’t played a back five under Roy Hodgson’s management yet. His impact off the bench could be vital, though, if Saints are in search of a late goal once again.
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