From 17th to play-off contenders: Southampton's charge up the table | OneFootball

Southampton underlined their play-off credentials with a 5-1 win away to Wrexham on Tuesday night with the Saints now on a 16-game unbeaten run.

Tonda Eckert has overseen a remarkable change in Southampton's fortunes since taking over from Will Still back in November. 

At the start of that month the team were 21st in the Championship, hovering just above the relegation zone but they now find themselves in sixth place with a game in hand over Hull City. All of a sudden they've given themselves and excellent chance for a place in the play-off and, who knows, should this form continue perhaps second place isn't completely out of the picture.

Eckert has done this with the fourth youngest squad average in the second tier (26.1) with only Stoke City, Norwich City, and Watford fielding younger average XIs. Last night's opposition Wrexham meanwhile, had the oldest with an average squad age this season of 28.

One key issue has been in goal with Alex McCarthy and Gavin Bazunu splitting duty earlier in the season. However, Daniel Peretz's arrival has been beneficial with Southampton losing just one of 17 games the shot-stopper has played for the club.

The on-loan Hamburger SV man also has the highest save percentage in the Championship with an impressive 77.8%.

Since the start of 2026 Southampton have scored more goals (30) than any other team in the division despite playing one game fewer. Meanwhile only Norwich City have conceded fewer goals (12) than the Saints (15).

The Saints also welcomed Léo Scienza back from injury for their incredible FA Cup win over Premier League leaders last week. The Brazilian came off the bench against Wrexham but has been an inspired signing who has quickly adapted to the Championship.

Indeed, defenders are struggling to cope with Léo Scienza who is the most fouled player in the second tier while also having created 19 big chances this season – the most of anyone.

The Saints have also dealt well with the departure of Adam Armstrong (whose 11 league goals still puts him joint 8th in the Championship) with Ross Stewart, Cyle Larin, Kuryu Matsuki, and Finn Azaz all chipping in with goals with the latter bagging his 10th for the Saints against Wrexham.

There's still plenty of football to be played in the Championship over the next month (and potential play-offs) but Southampton are in excellent form at the very right time.