Leicester City have a very good record against Southampton, particularly in recent times. Certainly there is more than one good reason for the Foxes to consider retiring the number 9 shirt!
Putting embarrassing defeats to one side for a moment, the manager will be aware that the test his side faces tonight will be bigger than any of the three they have faced together so far.
Leicester, like Southampton, are underachieving since their relegation from the Premier League last season. But either side of the international break, the Foxes have picked up back-to-back wins and sit three points above the Saints in the Championship table.
Victory by two goals or more would see Southampton climb above Leicester but Eckert is under no illusions – this could be a difficult match.
One player won’t relish a re-match with Fatawu
Leicester City FC v Southampton FC – Premier League | Alex Pantling/GettyImages
Leicester have pace and flair in attack, particularly in wide areas. If they play an attacking game, Southampton could be vulnerable behind both Tom Fellows and Ryan Manning.
Manning won’t relish the thought of Abdul Fatawu running at him again. Fatawu’s second-half introduction, in last season’s St Mary’s encounter, sparked a Leicester comeback from two goals down to win 3-2. To compound matters for the Irishman, Manning was hauled off late on.
Jordan James is another attacking player who could cause Saints problems and Eckert will need to be wary of his threat through the centre. James is currently on loan from the French club Rennes and already he has three goals and an assist to his name in just seven matches.
If Martí Cifuentes adopts an attacking approach tonight, it could play into Southampton’s hands. The Saints have adopted a direct and lightning quick counter attacking style of play under Eckert which decimated Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
One reason why it could be a long night for Saints fans
The alternative for Cifuentes is for Leicester to allow Southampton to have the ball and sit deep themselves. Saints haven’t quite looked as impressive going forward against sides who play in a low block.
If the match falls into that pattern, Southampton will need to guard against two things.
Firstly, they must not get caught out overplaying in midfield areas. Under Russell Martin, this was the team’s achilles heel and already under Eckert there have been signs of history repeating.
All three of the central defenders gave the ball away against Charlton Athletic and on another day that could have been an issue.
Leicester City took advantage of two misplaced passes in the build-up to both their goals against Stoke City at the weekend. Like Southampton, Leicester are fast on the counter attack and Saints should be wary of that.
Secondly, Southampton cannot afford to go a goal behind. If Leicester get into a lead and then sit 10 players behind the ball, it could be a very long night for Saints fans.
One player who is back in the goals
Patson Daka is back in the goals following his winner at home against Stoke City on Saturday afternoon.
Daka finished cutely after being put through on goal by Fatawu.
Jordan James, Abdul Fatawu, and Patson Daka are three wildcards who could potentially hurt Southampton at St Mary’s tonight.
