Saints back in action at Colchester as Eckert awaits FA ruling | OneFootball

Southampton return to competitive action for the first time since May at Colchester United tonight in the Carabao Cup, with head coach Tonda Eckert still waiting for the FA’s Spygate verdict. Possible sanctions range from a fine to a touchline ban of up to six months.

According to Sainstmarching.com, Eckert has voiced fears over what follows, though he can take his place in the dugout while the decision is pending. Saints have sold their full 1,500 away allocation for the Jobserve Community Stadium, with kick-off at 5.30 pm live on Sky Sports.

A first-round tie could hand minutes to fringe and academy players on the road. Summer arrival Lewis Dobbin could feature, while Finn Azaz is recovering at Staplewood from a shin injury.

Shea Charles is reportedly closing on a move to Fulham, with the clubs working towards a fee of around £30m. Leeds pushed earlier in the window before missing out, and the Northern Ireland midfielder seems content to switch once details are settled.

Samuel Edozie has attracted fresh interest from abroad, with Bundesliga side Paderborn and Danish club Copenhagen appearing to have made enquiries. The winger has a year left on his deal, so a sale this summer would free up squad space.

Southampton’s league campaign starts away at Watford on 16th August, leaving tonight as a single tune-up. The clubs last met in March 2011 in League One, so Colchester is unfamiliar territory for this group.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”