“Win Ugly” – Southampton & Eckert Eye Fourth Straight Home Win Against West Brom | OneFootball

Newly appointed Tonda Eckert is unbeaten at St Mary’s, with his Southampton side aiming to make it four wins from four against West Brom. The 32-year-old head coach has shown he can regroup his men after a disappointing loss to Millwall, leading them to a pivotal 3-1 victory over Birmingham, and will need to maintain that form in midweek.

This morning, he held a press conference ahead of facing West Brom, revealing his philosophy, potential input in the upcoming January transfer window and addressing any fitness worries before tomorrow’s clash.

Team News

There were concerns after Adam Armstrong appeared to come off injured against Birmingham. Eckert quickly dismissed these claims, stating that he’s “good” and “everything’s fine”.

Captain Jack Stephens was rested last time the Saints had a midweek fixture, in favour of German defender Joshua Quarshie. Eckert announced that it was a “decision for that game in particular [against Leicester]”.

He claimed Quarshie’s appearance was in response to the Foxes’ attacking personnel, as they possess “the fastest front three in the league, and we just wanted to match that with pace, so that was the idea.”

There aren’t any newfound injuries, with Eckert mentioning that “the players are looking fine and ready to go again.”

Injuries

Since no new injuries have popped up, Eckert may utilise the same starting eleven from last weekend. Players like Leo Scienza and Caspar Jander were substituted early, and he may opt for consistency rather than resting key players.

Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1): Bazunu; Harwood-Bellis, Wood, Stephens; Fellows, Jander, Downes, Manning; Azaz, Scienza; Armstrong

Visual of 3-4-2-1 setup for Southampton

His Ideas & Philosophy

When asked about his philosophy and beliefs, Eckert retained his desire for wins but admitted that the fans should be entertained. He said:

Eckert has been successful due to this balance of pragmatism and his own philosophy. Attacking output has surged under his management. The Saints have enjoyed their recent goal-scoring outings, averaging 2+ goals per game. Conceding has always been a problem at the forefront, even during the promotion campaign of 2023/24, and it remains an issue now.

Eckert isn’t ignoring these defensive concerns, though.

While they concede a goal almost every game, a sense of defensive solidity has been established at Southampton. With just one clean sheet having been kept in the past six, Eckert has reinforced that he’d rather “win ugly than lose beautifully”.

Winter Transfer Window

The upcoming transfer window could be pivotal in launching a promotion push towards the latter stages of the season. Oriol Romeu has already been brought in, and there could be more over the next month or so. Eckert revealed:

The slight knock to Adam Armstrong could be a warning sign. Damion Downs, the marquee striker signing, has yet to settle into the Southampton setup. Cameron Archer’s return could prove highly beneficial, as he’s proven to score goals in England’s second tier, but the Saints may need to look elsewhere for a third number nine due to Downs’ struggles thus far.

On West Brom

Tonda Eckert realises the task at hand against the Baggies and has praised Ryan Mason for what he’s achieved so far, claiming:

What to Expect

Expect neither side to dominate possession, with both teams more than willing to play on the transition. Southampton will look to build initially through their back three and Gavin Bazunu, drawing West Brom onto them before utilising more direct play as they progress into the opposition half. Eckert’s system has shown flexibility in these moments, shifting from patient play to direct football when space opens.

The Saints must find ways to break the Baggies’ press, led by striker Aunne Heggebø.

This is where Taylor Harwood-Bellis becomes crucial; as Southampton’s most creative outlet in defence, he will constantly try to play forward and find Adam Armstrong floating between the opposing midfield and defence. From there, Finn Azaz and Leo Scienza will look to stretch the Baggies’ shape and isolate defenders, often in a 1v2 situation out wide. This involves either Azaz or Scienza alongside their supporting wingback.

If Southampton can play through the first wave of pressure consistently, they will create moments where their front three can combine at speed. But if West Brom disrupt the build-up early and target Harwood-Bellis and Manning (the outlets from defence), the game could become scrappier — something Mason’s side are more comfortable with.

Predicted Scoreline

With confidence brewing on the South Coast, Eckert will hope his men can translate their current form into another dominating display at St Mary’s on Tuesday night. A win would propel Southampton into the promotion picture and underline the momentum building under their new head coach.