Southampton vs Portsmouth needs no introduction as a feisty clash between two sworn enemies.
Indeed, around 15 miles is all that separates the Saints from their South Coast enemies, when it comes to geography, and over the years, they've butted heads during some very entertaining matches.
There's an extra spice thrown into this year's instalment in the Championship, too, as Tonda Eckert has lived to see another day as Saints boss, with his punishment from the FA for his involvement in Spygate sticking out as a lenient one, as he was handed a six-week suspended ban and a £28,000 fine.
He will be barking orders from the sideline for the clash on Sunday, therefore, and he will be extremely determined to collect his first ever South Coast Derby win, as the football does the talking, over any more controversies he's been embroiled in.
Eckert would love to pick up a win
Eckert will be hell bent on picking up a win on Sunday, with his skills as a manager now under the spotlight, instead of his reputation as a slandered boss constantly being dragged through the mud.
He should be able to mastermind a win, too, as the Saints remain unbeaten at home this season in the league, with 15 goals scored just on their own turf, crazily.
Of course, all the form goes out the window when it's such a blood-and-thunder clash like the South Coast Derby, but Eckert will be desperate for another three points at the helm, so the home fans - who have backed him during recent tough times - can go home happy that their team has secured the bragging rights.
Both matches last season ended in draws in the Championship, with Eckert at the helm for the 1-1 draw at Fratton Park.
It would be some statement if the Saints' first league win in such a tantalising fixture since 2004 fell during Eckert's first game back as a free man, with St Mary's absolutely raucous if a win was secured.
There will be a lot of players in the German's camp who will also be champing at the bit to beat John Mousinho's visitors, having come into their own during the 33-year-old's up-and-down St Mary's reign.
A lot of his players will also want to secure a win for him
Cyle Larin, if he's fit, will be super motivated to be the hero in such a grand fixture.
Larin's faltering career has been saved by his blistering form under Eckert, with just one goal from 15 games under Robin Van Persie at Feyenoord firmly in the past now.
Indeed, he has a sensational 17 goals next to his name from 32 games and counting under the Berlin-born tactician, and he will be very relieved that Eckert remains in the dug-out.
It would be very sweet for both parties involved if the Brampton Bagsman was the match-winner on Sunday, as he continues to show why his manager had so much faith in him to succeed on the South Coast.
🚨🎙️ Championship top scorer Cyle Larin told The Sun that head coach Tonda Eckert was a key reason why he stayed at Southampton: “He really cares for you as a person and that’s important.”
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) September 15, 2026
The manager’s attention to players and their families off the pitch brings out Larin’s… pic.twitter.com/rwmATcHoya
Finn Azaz also has a jaw-dropping 14 goals and 14 assists under his belt from from 48 Eckert-led matches, with this combination - when at full pelt - so hard to contain.
If they're firing on all cylinders, which they should be for such an important game, an emphatic win should be forthcoming.
Azaz will be grateful to have the young manager still by his side as he looked rather lost during Will Still's disastrous stint in charge, with zero goals or assists from nine matches under the Belgian.
So many of the players that take to the field on Sunday will be prepared to dig deep in battle for Eckert, as the romance between the German, and his exciting group of players, continues on.
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