Southampton predicted lineup vs Blackburn Rovers: Who will replace Finn Azaz?

Southampton predicted lineup vs Blackburn Rovers at St. Mary’s. Who will Tonda Eckert choose to replace Finn Azaz?

Southampton are in pole position to seal the playoffs spot after crucial wins at Wrexham and Derby County. That’s not to say the regular Championship season is meaningless for the Saints from now on. Tonda Eckert’s men are trying their best for an automatic promotion at present.

Back in the 2023/24 season, Southampton briefly regretted missing out on an automatic promotion place. Well, it didn’t matter because Russell Martin inspired the Saints to win the playoffs final. But Southampton fans get the point. The playoffs route is quite uncertain at the end of the day.

To get into the top 2, Southampton need to keep winning and hope current second place rivals Ipswich Town drop points along the way. Ipswich Town are in action tonight at Saints local rivals Portsmouth. At the same time, Southampton host Blackburn Rovers with an aim to extend the unbeaten streak to 18 and claim another 3 points in the bag.

That said, let’s head over to the Southampton predicted lineup Tonda Eckert can field for the Blackburn Rovers clash.

Southampton predicted lineup vs Blackburn Rovers

GK: Daniel Peretz

Just like Oxford United, Blackburn Rovers are languishing near the relegation zone. Southampton strolled to a clean sheet at Oxford. Hopefully, Daniel Peretz gets to add to that tally after failing to do so in the previous three games.

LB: Ryan Manning

Ryan Manning’s crosses often help break the deadlock for Southampton. Welington should get a cameo late on, but it might take atleast 1-2 games more for him to gain match rhythm to start over Manning.

CB: Taylor Harwood-Bellis

2026 has been Taylor Harwood-Bellis year. Easily the best Championship defender out there. Rarely misses his marker and has got enough experience in games like these where Southampton just need to keep the foot on the gas.

CB: Nathan Wood

Honestly, Nathan Wood should have started at Derby County. Jack Stephens hasn’t looked match sharp immediately upon recovering from his injury and has made a few mistakes in the past week. With that in mind, Tonda should prefer Wood for the Blackburn Rovers challenge.

RB: James Bree

James Bree is miles ahead of Elias Jelert and Mads Roerslev in the right back pecking order. Hopefully, Bree doesn’t get injured anytime soon.

CM: Flynn Downes

Flynn Downes arguably covers the most ground for Southampton at both ends of the pitch. Never shies away from a tackle, block or even finishing a few goals to keep the scoreboard ticking for the Saints.

CAM: Shea Charles

Tonda Eckert scared Southampton fans on the weekend after confirming that Finn Azaz wasn’t 100% fit in recent weeks. It will be wise to let the Irishman catch some rest because Southampton don’t have a playoffs headache anymore.

Talking about who will replace Finn Azaz, Shea Charles can be a shrewd option. Yes, he is a central midfielder but shares similar ball carrying and chance creating traits as Azaz. Also, Tonda brought Charles on for Azaz at Derby. That points to the German boss going with Shea Charles to replace Finn Azaz in the attacking midfielder role.

CM: Caspar Jander

Caspar Jander was the one bringing the ball inside the final third in the previous 2-1 win. He has mostly competed with Shea Charles in central midfield so far, but tonight could be different given that both him and Charles are in amazing form.

LW: Samuel Edozie

Playing every 3-4 days in April means Tonda Eckert should protect key players like Leo Scienza from getting injured. Blackburn Rovers are an easier task than the upcoming Swansea City and Bristol City games. Thus, Samuel Edozie should play tonight keeping Scienza fully fit for those later matches.

ST: Cyle Larin

Ross Stewart and Cyle Larin have alternated since the March international break. Last time Ross Stewart started, so, here it should be Cyle Larin spearheading the Saints attack.

RW: Kuryu Matsuki

With Samuel Edozie on the left, Southampton need a winger who can both score and assist goals. Tom Fellows is also capable of setting up goals but given his poor finishing record and him starting at Derby, it makes perfect sense for Tonda to switch to Kuryu Matsuki today.