Things are looking up for Southampton after head coach Tonda Eckert was reprimanded, given a suspended ban and a fine for his involvement in observing opposition training sessions last season.
Chairman Dragan Solak and Sporting Director Johannes Spors will now surely be looking to hand Eckert, dubbed by Solak as “one of Europe’s most exciting young coaches”, a new deal to extend his St Mary’s stay.
What first faces the club following the positive FA verdict is a match against hated rivals Portsmouth.
On Sunday at 12pm, the Saints will jump into action in the South Coast derby with one objective: to take a first home league win over their enemies since 2005.
Two players to relish occasion
Last season’s South Coast derby saw Southampton line up with Cameron Archer as a lone striker, Ryan Fraser as a winger, Mads Roerslev at full-back and Gavin Bazunu in goal.
The difficult period under Will Still, who was sacked less than 2 months later, was epitomised by a drab encounter. Portsmouth attempted to win the game on the break, and nearly provided the Saints with a scare or two throughout the ninety.
Under Tonda Eckert, Southampton have simplified their team and have a far better selection pool than they did this time a year ago. In 50 matches under him, they have won 30 and scored 102 goals.
Leo Scienza only made his first appearance for the club in an eight-minute cameo in the fixture last season that finished 0-0.
This time around, the brilliant Brazilian will likely start and will relish the match, as he did at Fratton Park with a well-taken opening goal and a goading celebration.
As well as Scienza’s first home derby start, Cyle Larin will experience his first taste of the rivalry, if fit, on Sunday. The ‘Brampton Bagsman’, who just received the keys to his hometown city, should enjoy the occasion up against Portsmouth’s one fit centre-back.
Win would ensure perfect week
A win in any shape or form would ensure the perfect week for everybody surrounding Southampton Football Club.
Three points would make it one of the best few days in the club’s recent history, with their highly-rated head coach being given the all-clear to manage and take three points from their rivals.
Many different storylines and potential goalscorers could pop into Southampton fans’ heads over the coming days ahead of the game, but any three-point outcome is a job well done.
If the Saints have star players Leo Scienza and Cyle Larin fit and firing, they should be well on their way. Because a front-four of the afore mentioned alongside Finn Azaz and Kuryu Matsuki or Tom Fellows is a momentous upgrade on last season.
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