Southampton go into the midweek fixture against Leicester City on a high. Cyle Larin's debut goal handed the Saints all three points against a physical and organised Watford on Saturday, making it three wins and a draw in the last four games.
More importantly, the South Coast side has stopped conceding goals. In the last four, Saints have recorded three clean sheets: against Sheffield United, Stoke City, and Watford. The only goal they have conceded was a sloppy one at Fratton Park from a corner.
Tonda Eckert may be without Flynn Downes for the trip, depending on the severity of the impact injury that the combative midfielder sustained on Saturday.
The predicted lineup has one change to the side that took the field against Watford.
Southampton predicted lineup: (4-3-2-1)
Goalkeepers and defenders
Back to his best? pic.twitter.com/fWmGe24dkz
— Total Football Insight (@final_whistle1) February 8, 2026
Goalkeeper - Daniel Peretz: Peretz will continue in goal. His save percentage is the highest in the Championship, and the Israeli keeper has kept three clean sheets in four matches.
Right-Back - James Bree: Bree has been one of the standout players for Southampton during their recent run of good form. His corner kick against Watford, leading to Larin's winner, on Saturday, demonstrated what an important player he has become.
Centre-Back - Taylor Harwood-Bellis: Harwood-Bellis may be off in the Summer, but he is giving his all to help get Saints promoted. In fine form and the partnership with Jack Stephens is better than ever. Scored two goals in the reverse fixture at St Mary's in November.
Centre-Back - Jack Stephens: Proving the doubters wrong with a string of four very good performances in a flat back four alongside Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Currently indespensible.
Left-Back - Welington: Welington has proven himself to be Southampton's best left-back without a doubt. His block tackle and run up the left in the final moments of the match against Watford ended any debate.
Midfielders
Shea Charles could start against Leicester City tomorrow night. pic.twitter.com/5r8CH91BnV
— Total Football Insight (@final_whistle1) February 9, 2026
Centre Midfield - Caspar Jander: Unless Jander is feeling the effects of playing 90 minutes against Watford, he should start at Leicester. Tonda Eckert is not averse to throwing in a youngster, so Cameron Bragg or Barnaby Williams could be on the bench if Downes is ruled out.
Centre Midfield - Shea Charles: A key change could see Shea Charles return to the starting lineup in place of Flynn Downes. Eckert is a big fan of Charles, who didn't put a foot wrong on Saturday.
Attackers
Cyle Larin scores with his first touch for Southampton. pic.twitter.com/9UzvLkXkeM
— Total Football Insight (@final_whistle1) February 7, 2026
Attacking Midfield Left - Léo Scienza: Scienza is being sensibly managed by Tonda Eckert and the Brazilian will probably start against Leicester on Tuesday night. Earned an assist in the return fixture at St Mary's.
Attacking Midfield Right - Tom Fellows: Fellows was brilliant in the reverse fixture at St Mary's in November. He tied Leicester's Olabade Aluko up in knots, causing the youngster to be sent off for a second yellow after 33 minutes.
Attacking Midfield Centre - Finn Azaz: Scored against the Foxes in November and has run into some good form again, with an assist against Pompey and a goal at Stoke. He was a little quiet against the Hornets on Saturday, but he is sorely missed when he is not in the team.
Centre Forward - Ross Stewart: Stewart will be preferred to Cyle Larin, who is not yet fit enough to start. Expect the Canadian to enter the fray on the hour again as Eckert nurses Stewart back to full fitness.