Southampton predicted lineup vs Derby County: Tonda Eckert to make 3 changes?

Southampton predicted lineup vs Derby County for the Championship home game. Tonda Eckert to make 3 changes at St. Mary’s?

Championship games are coming thick and fast for Southampton at the moment. The Saints annihilated Wrexham 5-1 in midweek which was a brilliant result from the playoffs point of view. Today, it’s another playoffs rival awaiting Southampton at St. Mary’s, Derby County.

Winning again today will take Tonda Eckert’s men to 69 points, 5 ahead of Wrexham and 6 above Derby County in the league. In a way, it would virtually confirm Southampton’s playoffs spot due to the fact that there are no more actual playoffs contender apart from Wrexham and Derby County.

Moreover, Southampton can surpass 5th placed Hull City tonight, who also have a crunch game away to Sheffield United. Tonda Eckert recently set the automatic promotion aim for Southampton, and beating Derby County at St. Mary’s could take the Saints more closer to fighting Ipswich Town for the second place in the upcoming weeks.

As for Derby County, a number of crucial injuries and player unavailability has struck their camp. This will give more confidence to Southampton about finally beating them. After all, the Saints led by Will Still could only walk away with a single point from the previous Derby County trip in October.

Southampton predicted lineup vs Derby County

GK: Daniel Peretz

Daniel Peretz is a sure shot Southampton No.1 for this season, and hopefully for the coming years too. Against a depleted Derby County attack, it will be a good ocassion for Peretz to claim an effortless clean sheet.

He was unfairly denied one at Wrexham where the referee didn’t call an obvious foul on Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Hopefully, things go better for Southampton and Peretz here.

LB: Ryan Manning

Ryan Manning’s crosses set the tone for the massive 5-1 win over Wrexham. Tonda Eckert will likely retain him in the starting lineup. If the Saints go 2-0 up by the break, then Welington could be subbed on for the second half to manage his minutes as well.

CB: Taylor Harwood-Bellis

Taylor Harwood-Bellis is peaking again for Southampton, and at the right time of the season. Expect him to put another solid 90 minute display vs Derby at home.

CB: Nathan Wood

Well, Jack Stephens was the only Saints player who disappointed in the Wrexham win. He looked quite lazy on his return. Playing Stephens from the start can turn the easy looking Derby clash more complicated, so, it’s better if Tonda goes with FA Cup star performer Nathan Wood instead.

RB: James Bree

James Bree is another indispensable Southampton starter at the moment. Tonda should only replace Bree in case of an injury, which, let’s hope doesn’t bother him until May.

CM: Flynn Downes

Flynn Downes couldn’t play any part in the Arsenal win due to suspension. That makes him quite match ready to start a couple of matches and play the whole 90 minutes.

CAM: Finn Azaz

Southampton will play every 3-4 days throughout the Championship run-in. As such, it’s important to manage Finn Azaz’s workload. Most likely, Tonda will start with Azaz at No.10 and then look to bring Cameron Archer at the hour mark to see out the game.

CM: Caspar Jander

Shea Charles was given a handy breather at Arsenal as he came on for only fifteen minutes in the FA Cup. It won’t be surprising if Tonda picks him again, but with Caspar Jander there is no need to keep relying on Charles week in week out.

LW: Leo Scienza

Leo Scienza over Samuel Edozie is a proper no-brainer for Southampton. Even at Wrexham, the Brazilian showed more flair and spark in his short cameo than Edozie did despite starting.

ST: Cyle Larin

Cyle Larin’s movement and positioning in the first half is always much better than Stewart. He can bring the goods right away, and if he doesn’t against Derby County, then Tonda can turn to Stewart for a second half attacking push.

RW: Kuryu Matsuki

Switching Matsuki after a good game, especially when he was out against Arsenal doesn’t make sense. That’s not to say, Tom Fellows shouldn’t get a run here. If Matsuki gets another goal contribution tonight, Tonda might prioritize him more for the playoffs.