Southampton and Middlesbrough played out a 0-0 draw in the first leg at the Riverside Stadium, which means it’s all to play for in the second leg on Tuesday night.
Amid the Spygate drama, there is a football match to take place, for which Saints boss Tonda Eckert must pick a winning starting eleven.
It’s set to be a lively St Mary’s Stadium from the early hours of the evening, as Southampton fans in their thousands will welcome the team bus at 6.30pm, before taking to their seats and roaring on their side.
It truly is a game worth its wait in gold for the Saints - and Eckert must find a winning formula.
Predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper and defenders
Goalkeeper - Daniel Peretz: No goalkeeper in the Championship prevented more goals per 90 or recorded a higher save percentage from Peretz’s signing in January to the end of the season. The Israeli has become vital, and will undoubtedly start.
Right-back - James Bree: The Englishman was another excellent addition to the Saints team in January, returning from his loan at Charlton Athletic. Another shoo-in to start.
Centre-back - Taylor Harwood-Bellis: The Saints stand-in captain has been nothing short of exceptional since stepping up to the leadership role. For Southampton’s sake, them going up via the play-offs would be the only chance of keeping Harwood-Bellis, realistically.
Centre-back: Nathan Wood: Despite some dodgy playing out from the back at times, Nathan Wood was extremely solid for the Saints at the Riverside. With Jack Stephens not looking ready to be back in time for this one, Wood looks set to start again.
Left-back - Ryan Manning: The Irish left-back has been brilliant throughout the season, and is likely to start yet again at St Mary’s. Another free-kick goal from him wouldn’t go amiss.
Midfielders
Centre midfield: Flynn Downes - Returning from his three-game suspension, Downes wasn’t quite up to speed against Middlesbrough in the first leg. If he can get back to his best, he’ll dictate the game on Tuesday night.
Centre midfield: Caspar Jander - Even with Shea Charles coming on to play brilliantly well on Saturday, Jander should keep his place in the midfield. The German has been excellent lately, and links to the Bundesliga are no surprise.
Attacking midfield: Finn Azaz - While Finn Azaz wasn’t at his best in the first leg, he’s been vital to Tonda Eckert’s system. Likely to be one of the first names on the team sheet, unless a surprise tactical setup is utilised.
Attackers
Right winger: Kuryu Matsuki - When fit, Kuryu Matsuki has tended to start for Southampton over Tom Fellows in recent weeks and months. Tom Fellows was poor in the first leg; this could be the only change Eckert makes as the Japanese winger returns from injury.
Left winger: Leo Scienza - The first name on the team sheet, along with Daniel Peretz and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Scienza will need to be on his A game against Middlesbrough.
Striker: Cyle Larin - Despite a poor first leg, Larin is the Saints’ best option when they need to beat a press and go long, which they were forced to. The first sixty minutes of the match could be Larin’s before a change is made, and Ross Stewart is introduced.
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