Tonda Eckert has hinted that there may be changes to his starting eleven ahead of the visit of Millwall on New Year's Day. Today's starting lineup could see as many as four changes made from the team that started at Birmingham City on Monday night.
In today's press conference the Head Coach insisted that he was not wedded to any particular formation and that if the best way to win a game is with a back four, that's exactly what he would do.
“I'm not dogmatic about formation. It always starts with the players, and then to see what the best option is for us to win a game.
Tonda Eckert has hinted that there may be changes to his starting eleven ahead of the visit of Millwall on New Year's Day.
In today's press conference the Head Coach insisted that he was not wedded to any particular formation and that if the best way to win a game is with a back four, that's exactly what he would do.
“I'm not dogmatic about formation. It always starts with the players, and then to see what the best option is for us to win a game.
“If there is a three or a four for me, it's not that there needs to be something that satisfies me, it's just to increase the chances of winning a game.
“If we feel the best way is to do it in a back four, we do it in a back four. It starts and finishes with the players. It's not that I come in and say I want to play one way or another.“
Prompted by BBC Solent's Adam Blackmore to reflect on Elias Jelert's positive impact from the bench on Monday, the Saints boss was clearly delighted with the Dane's contribution. It could prompt a formation change.
Southampton predicted lineup: (4-3-2-1)
Goalkeeper and Defenders
Goalkeeper - Gavin Bazunu: This could be one of Gavin Bazunu's last Championship games for Southampton if Daniel Peretz arrives as expected later this week. The keeper was in good form against Birmingham being named man of the match both here on Saints Marching and by Sky Sports.
Right-Back - Elias Jelert: Eckert was pleased with Jelert's contribution from the bench on Monday at Birmingham City. He could be rewarded with a start in a slight change of shape today.
Centre-Back - Taylor Harwood-Bellis: Harwood-Bellis may find himself playing in a central partnership of just two today, if Eckert decides to play with two full-backs and a back four. H-B nearly scored at the other end before his wayward pass conceded possession in the build up to Birmingham's goal.
Centre-Back - Joshua Quarshie: Any one of three players could play alongside Harwood-Bellis today. But playing with two in the centre of defence may force the manager's hand into starting Quarshie over Wood and Stephens. Quarshie has the pace to cope with balls played in behind.
Left-Back - Ryan Manning: Manning will be expected to get up the pitch to support Scienza in attack. His dead ball delivery remains a serious threat for the home side.
Midfielders
Centre Midfield Left - Caspar Jander: Rested towards the end of the match on Monday, Jander could start on the left side of a midfield three today.
Centre Midfield - Cameron Bragg: Bragg started the away match at Millwall and after an excellent performance from the bench at Birmingham City, he could be rewarded with a start today. Eckert will want some cover through the centre and Bragg adds quality in both defensive and attacking transitions.
Centre Midfield - Flynn Downes: Downes was the perfect foil for Bragg who dictated play for Southampton throughout the last 20 minutes at Birmingham on Monday. Downes does the hard yards and the 'dirty' work for the team.
Attackers
Left Forward - Léo Scienza: The Brazilian was left out of the starting lineup against Birmingham on Monday but the Head Coach has given a clear indication that Scienza will start today.
Centre Forward - Adam Armstrong: The Championship's leading scorer will lead the line again today despite Cameron Archer grabbing the headlines at St Andrew's on Monday night.
Right Forward - Finn Azaz: Azaz scored in the away fixture against Millwall and hasn't been as effective lately. May be under pressure from Tom Fellows for a starting spot and it's a close run thing.