Southampton host Birmingham City this weekend as they look to return to winning ways after defeat last time out.
Southampton turned to Tonda Eckert as caretaker manager after sacking Will Still. The 32-year-old has since done an impressive job in steadying the team.
Their perfect run under Eckert came to an end on Saturday in a dramatic clash with Millwall. Tristan Crama struck in the 97th minute to end the Saints’ four-game winning streak in a 3-2 defeat.
Image courtesy of: JOHN SIBLEY/REUTERS.
Southampton had won their last four games under Eckert, scoring 13 goals in that run. The defeat to Millwall will be a blow, but given the season Millwall have had so far, it is not a result to be scoffed at.
Their opponents this weekend are Birmingham City who have had a brilliant campaign on their return to the Championship. BCFC are in 8th place and go into the weekend just one point outside of the play-off places.
Birmingham City made it five wins from their last eight Championship games on Monday night as they beat Watford 2-1 at St. Andrew’s. First-half goals from Paik Seung-ho and Demarai Gray put BCFC in control before Othmane Maamma reduced the deficit on the hour.
It was another strong home performance from the Blues, featuring two excellent finishes to seal the victory. Chris Davies will have been encouraged by his team’s display, with star forward Jay Stansfield standing out once again.
Jay Stansfield’s Birmingham City record
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
Charlie Hodgson
“This is an absolutely huge game for Southampton as they look to return to winning ways, After the start to the season they had they will be hard-pushed to reach the top two, so a play-off place is what will have their eyes on.
“Given that fact, they will need to get a result against a very good Birmingham City team. BCFC have got so much quality throughout their squad and can win games even when not at their best, as seen against Watford on Monday night.
Image courtesy of: CRAIG BROUGH/REUTERS.
“Despite that, I think Southampton are going to win this game. The Saints need to make St Mary’s a fortress and I think they will start that this weekend.”
Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Birmingham City
James Ray
“This will be a real test of Tonda Eckert and it could be key in whether he gets the Southampton job permanently. Countless interim managers start well, but the real challenge comes in bouncing back when that momentum is lost.
“Doing so against Birmingham City will not be easy. The Blues have found their feet in the Championship and will be keen to get one over a recent Premier League side to prove their credentials.
“BCFC have really struggled on the road though, and that will play into the Saints’ hands.
“I’ll say the hosts get the job done in impressive fashion.”
Prediction: Southampton 3-1 Birmingham City