Something to Bragg about: Southampton make two changes at Hillsborough

Southampton have made two changes to the team that started the match on Tuesday against Queens Park Rangers for the trip to Sheffield Wednesday today
Sheffield Wednesday v Southampton - Sky Bet Championship - Hillsborough Stadium
Sheffield Wednesday v Southampton - Sky Bet Championship - Hillsborough Stadium | Cody Froggatt - PA Images/GettyImages

Southampton heads to Hillsborough today in search of an eighth match unbeaten in the Championship. Just four points behind the top six, a win today could reduce the deficit to one point.

Tonda makes two changes as Bragg comes in for Downes

Tonda Eckert has made two changes to the starting lineup for today's game, opting to give Cameron Bragg a runout in place of Flynn Downes and bringing back Shea Charles for Casper Jander in a completely overhauled midfield.

After an impressive 70 minutes on Tuesday night, Cyle Larin keeps his place up front with Ross Stewart remaining on the bench.


Back four has a familiar look

The back four has a familiar look about it as James Bree, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jack Stephens, and Ryan Manning all keep their places in the team in front of Daniel Peretz. The full-backs made the Sky Sports Bet team of the week for their part in Saints' 5-0 win over QPR.

Harwood-Bellis could feel aggrieved for missing out on that accolade after having 111 touches in a dominant performance.

In midfield, Eckert has taken the opportunity to give Flynn Downes a rest in the engine room of midfield. Downes had played through the pain barrier for a few weeks and may now be rested for the cup match at Fulham next Sunday, too.


Saints midfield is something to Bragg about

In comes Cameron Bragg, who will be relishing the opportunity of a first start in the Championship since New Year's Day against Millwall at St Mary's.

Alongside him will be Shea Charles. Charles is another player who has suffered his share of injuries this season and is being well-managed by the coaching staff.


Impressive midfield trio retain their places

There are no surprises ahead of Bragg and Charles, as the attacking midfield trio all retain their places after impressing on Tuesday night.

Léo Scienza could have been rested for this one in favour of Sam Edozie, but the boss has elected to keep the Brazilian in the side from the start.

Finn Azaz is not every fan's favourite player, but his goal and assist on Tuesday night against QPR might have changed a few opinions.

On the right, Eckert has kept the faith with Kuryu Matsuki, who scored a brace on Tuesday night. With Tom Fellows out of sorts, Matsuki could solidify his place in the Saints' starting lineup.


Up front, Cyle Larin keeps his place. He was strong and held the ball up well on Tuesday night. Ross Stewart could well get 20 minutes as a substitute again. Perhaps more, if things aren't going too well.

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations