Southampton

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Yeovil Town have signed Southampton forward Will Merry on loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old has yet to make a first-team appearance for the Saints, but spent a month on loan at National League side Eastleigh in April 2024, where he played three times.

He has also featured regularly for Southampton's academy side in Premier League Two and played twice in the EFL Trophy for the club's academy side in 2022.

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Southampton boss Tonda Eckert said that he's "ready for a couple of days off" after their win over Oxford United in the Championship.

Cyle Larin struck early before Shea Charles launched a shot into the net from range to secure the three points for his side.

Eckert said that after a congested schedule he is looking forward to the international break.

"We've had a couple of very tough away games and we knew that these two games at home now gave us a chance to finish off not just this week but a block of four months," Eckert told BBC Radio Solent.

"We've been going straight since November and we just knew that we wanted to finish strong on that block.

"It was a big one for us today going two up, but then you need to keep the attention high because you're still on the ball.

"It's never so easy if the rhythm of the game then slows down, but obviously then the spaces are up on a counter and you need to be ready to defend them.

"I think we've done this quite well over big spells, obviously there's always a couple of moments that we can improve on, but overall yes it's another clean sheet and I'm so happy about today and ready for a couple of days off."

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Southampton boss Tonda Eckert claims there is no change of mood in their dressing room despite the side's rise into the Championship's top six.

Saints moved above Wrexham into sixth place on goal difference with their midweek win over Norwich City.

"We need to focus on the job," Eckert told BBC Radio Solent.

"I haven't noticed anything being different. I think the group, the players are so focused on what's coming up. They looked so sharp and focused today in training."

Saints next host Oxford United on Saturday (15:00 GMT), opponents who are trying to avoid relegation and are in good form of late.

Eckert's side lost 2-1 to the U's in a disappointing reverse fixture on Boxing Day and new boss Matt Bloomfield has led them on a four-match undefeated streak.

"We have always faced teams that are full of confidence," Eckert added.

"It was the same on Wednesday (Norwich City), it was the same on the weekend before (Coventry). They do have some weapons so it's important to stay awake."

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Jobi McAnuff believes just five teams are fighting it out for two Championship play-off spots.

In the latest edition of the BBC's 72+ EFL podcast, Aaron Paul and McAnuff were joined by AFC Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson discuss the top stories from the EFL.

Watford's 3-1 win over Wrexham on Tuesday opened the door for Southampton to take over the Welsh side's top-six spot - and they did so, winning 1-0 against Norwich on Wednesday.

Watford are ninth, five points behind the Saints with eight games to go, while Birmingham are a further two points behind in 10th.

McAnuff said: "Watford are still in the mix. I feel like seven points feels a bit too big at this stage of the season. Birmingham feels a little far away.

"Southampton are the ones I believed would come through and get a play-off place.

"A couple of weeks ago I'd have said there's only one place up for grabs (sixth). That's changed now, (fifth-placed) Hull have been really inconsistent so they have been brought into it a lot more.

"You've got Easter coming up, six points can go in a week. You have a quick turnaround. If you can put a run of games together you can really jump up four or five places in the space of a few days. Anyone down to Watford (can make it), Birmingham feels a little too far away at this stage."

Southampton and Oxford United will be fighting for points at either end of the Championship table when they meet at St Mary's on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

A win will guarantee the Saints a longer stay in the top six, with Wrexham keen to take back the spot against Sheffield United.

However Oxford are seeking an escape from their predicament. They are one point adrift in the bottom three and they will want to avoid watching the gap extend.

• This will be the first time Southampton have hosted Oxford in a league match since November 1987, in a 3-0 home victory for Chris Nicholl's side in the top-flight.

• After winning 2-1 in this season's reverse fixture (Boxing Day 2025), Oxford could achieve the league double over Southampton for the first time ever.

• Southampton are unbeaten in their last five league games on a Saturday, winning four of them (D1); as many victories as they had in their previous 25 (W4 D7 L14).

• Oxford are unbeaten in their three away league games on a Saturday under Matt Bloomfield (W1 D2), after losing five of their first six (W1) in the Championship this season.

• Finn Azaz has been directly involved in four goals in three Championship games against Oxford, with all four of those coming in a single game (2 goals, 2 assists in a 6-2 win for Middlesbrough in November 2024).

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Southampton boss Tonda Eckert said his team needed to show resilience to secure victory over Norwich on Wednesday night.

Finn Azaz's 10th goal of the season, midway through the first half, gave the Saints a lead they didn't relinquish - but they were indebted to their defence, and late saves by goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, for the match-clinching clean sheet.

Eckert told BBC Radio Solent: "You will have some games in the season when it comes down to the sacrifice of the players, the desire to win a game of football.

"We had some quality moments up the pitch and just needed to be resilient at the other end - I'm very happy.

"Double figures for Finn [Azaz] now, he's been working for that and now he has to make sure to keep going.

"Southampton has not been known for being a team that suffers and accepts not having the ball for a couple of moments, but being resilient and we are making some good steps in that direction."

Southampton are at home to Oxford United on Saturday.

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There have been plenty of contentious decisions in the 2025-26 Championship season so far.

Offside goals given, perfectly good goals ruled out, red card offences missed, penalties not given, dubious spot-kicks awarded. You name it.

With the video assistant referee (VAR) only used for the play-off final, the outcome of every second-tier game in the regular season can hinge on how on-field officials see incidents in real time.

• Would you want VAR introduced for every league game in the Championship?

• If so, why?

• And if not, let us know your reasons.

You can share your thoughts on VAR here or comment below, and we will publish a follow-up article soon with a selection of your responses.

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Southampton midfielder Leo Scienza and striker Ross Stewart have returned to training and may be available for Wednesday's game against Norwich City (19:45 GMT).

Both players missed out on the 2-1 win against Coventry on Saturday, with Scienza sidelined with a groin injury sustained in their 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion while Stewart was substituted at half-time in the same match.

A late decision will be made on both players, while forward Jay Robinson has also returned to training following a seven-game absence with a quad issue.

"It's very nice to have him [Robinson] back on the pitch," head coach Tonda Eckert told BBC Radio Solent.

"Generally [it] has been quite positive with a run of game after game after game, especially with the travelling and playing away from home.

"We might pick up something every now and then, that's what the games sometimes bring, but in general I think availability has been key."

Brazilian left-back Welington is due to return to training on Thursday.

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Southampton midfielder Barnaby Williams has signed a new contract with the Championship club until the summer of 2029.

The 19-year-old was out of action for several months after being involved in a car crash in 2024, but he recovered from his injuries and was handed a first senior appearance as a half-time substitute in Saints' 3-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday in November.

Williams also appeared in the FA Cup fourth-round win over Leicester City last month.

Saints' director of group talent strategy Andy Goldie said: , external"After an incredibly challenging season, Barnaby has bounced back even stronger, regularly impressing with the Under-21s and grabbing his opportunities with the first team."

Southampton could book a place in the play-offs when they host Norwich City on Wednesday (19:45 GMT).

Should Wrexham fail to take any points away at Watford on Tuesday, the door will open for the Saints to take their sixth placed spot thanks to a superior goal difference.

However, Norwich's form under boss Philippe Clement has seen them rise from the relegation zone to just nine points under the Red Dragons and with a four-match winning streak to extend, beating the Canaries will be no easy task.

• Southampton are winless in their last three league meetings with Norwich City (D2 L1), since a 2-0 victory in the Premier League in February 2022.

• After a 1-0 victory in January 2008, Norwich City are winless in their eight league visits to Southampton since (D3 L5), conceding 20 goals in that run (2.5 per game).

• Southampton have lost only one of their 11 home league games under Tonda Eckert (W7 D3), winning three of their last four matches since a 1-2 loss to Hull City in January. Indeed, only Ipswich Town (0) have lost fewer home games in the Championship in that time.

• Norwich City have won five of their last six away league games (L1), as many as in their previous 33 matches (D12 L16), while they could record three successive away league clean sheets for the first time since January 2018 (4).

• Southampton's Finn Azaz has four goal involvements in six previous league appearances against Norwich City (3 goals, 1 assist)

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert spoke to BBC Radio Solent.

"It's not easy to come here, they have lost only once at home all season. We knew it would be tough, especially as it was the fourth game away from home on the bounce," he said.

"Away from home you have some moments to overcome, but credit to the boys because they dug very deep and we had an excellent goalkeeper today.

"It should have been a clean sheet as well. As a club we are moving in the right direction and we need to keep our heads down and keep working as there are so many more steps to go still."

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Southampton will host Arsenal in their FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday 4 April at 20:00 BST.

Saints beat Premier League side Fulham 1-0 with an added-time penalty on Sunday and now have the chance to reach their first semi-final in the competition since 2021.

Southampton are the only Championship team left in the competition, with Arsenal knocking out Mansfield to progress to the last eight.

The game will be available to watch live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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Southampton's Tonda Eckert and Millwall's Femi Azeez have won the Championship's manager and player of the month awards for February.

Saints took 13 points from a possible 15 as they went unbeaten last month, finishing with successive wins over QPR and Sheffield Wednesday to move into play-off contention.

Eckert was appointed Southampton's permanent head coach in December having been in interim charge when Will Still was sacked at the start of November.

He has won 12 of his 23 league games, taking the south coast club from 21st place to the race for a top-six finish.

Coventry City's Frank Lampard, Philippe Clement of Norwich City and Millwall boss Alex Neil were also nominated for the manager of the month award.

Though the Lions did win through winger Femi Azeez, who took home the player award after helping the side to win four of their five games in February.

The 24-year-old made five goal contributions, striking a superb volley to open the scoring against Birmingham in their 3-0 win at the Den.

Saints midfielder Leo Scienza was also up for the player award, alongside Sheffield United midfielder Sydie Peck and Sky Blues striker Haji Wright.

Southampton could be in with a chance at the top six on Saturday lunchtime (12:30 GMT) but will need to beat in-form league leaders Coventry City.

If Wrexham fail to take any points against Swansea on Friday, the door will open for the Saints to leapfrog into sixth spot with three points thanks to a superior goal difference.

However, hosts Coventry are on a six-match winning streak and running away with the Championship title as things stand with an eight point lead at the top.

• Coventry City are winless in their last six league games against Southampton (D3 L3) since a 4-1 win in October 2008.

• Southampton have one win in their last seven league visits to Coventry (D4 L2), a 4-2 win under Nigel Adkins in the 2011-12 season.

• Coventry manager Frank Lampard has never won a home game against Southampton in all competitions as a manager (D2 L2), with his teams conceding at least twice in all four games.

• Southampton have lost eight of their last 10 league games against teams who have 70+ points in the table before the game (W1 D1), with their one win coming away at 90-point Leeds on the final day of the 2023-24 season (2-1).

• Coventry are unbeaten in 12:30pm Championship kick-offs this season (W7 D3), while Southampton have only lost one of six 12:30pm games (W3 D2).

Martin Sanders
Fan writer

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When Léo Scienza went down injured at The Hawthorns on Wednesday night, you could feel the disappointment in the away end.

Our best player lay on the turf holding his groin. It looked like an uncomfortable injury and in that moment, it was hard not to reflect on just how vital he has become to this Saints side.

It has been quite the introduction to English football for the Brazilian winger.

When I sat down with him at the club's Staplewood Training Ground training complex in December, one thing immediately stood out, his enthusiasm.

He spoke with a constant smile and infectious energy, but there was also a clear sense of determination. Every opportunity, he explained, is one he refuses to take for granted.

What impressed me most during our interview was how much he wanted to help his team-mates, creating opportunities, and contributing to goals but it isn't about personal glory for him, it's about the team.

That mindset, combined with his talent, has made him such a vital figure for Southampton this season. Perhaps that mindset reflects the journey he has taken to reach this point.

Unlike many modern professionals, Scienza did not follow the traditional academy pathway from a young age. A background in futsal helped shape his technical ability, but it also meant he arrived in professional football later than most, forcing him to climb the ladder the hard way.

Scienza showed his attacking skills in Germany and his transition to the Championship has highlighted just how dangerous he can be in the final third.

Since arriving on the south coast, he has quickly become a fan favourite, already a cult hero among Southampton supporters. Young fans often rush to the front of the stands after matches, hoping to leave with his match-worn shirt.

Those watching closely believe his game has evolved since his time in Germany. While he continues to finish above his xG, the quality of the chances he is getting has improved and his creative influence has grown.

His futsal roots are still evident in tight areas, where his quick feet and close control allow him to draw fouls and create dangerous moments.

When looking at certain attacking metrics, including progressive runs, offensive duels won, and expected assists per 90 minutes, Scienza finds himself in statistical company alongside players such as Lionel Messi, Neymar, Ousmane Dembélé, and Jack Grealish.

As Saints push toward a play-off spot, the extent of Scienza's injury could prove crucial.

If they are to secure a place in the top six, having Leo fit and firing is absolutely essential as, without question, he is a wonderful player. And if his rise continues, it may not be long before far more people begin to notice what Southampton supporters are already seeing every week.

I believe he will play in the Premier League. I just hope that is with us.

Find more from Martin Sanders on FootballMartin., external

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Southampton boss Tonda Eckert said that he will have to assess Leo Scienza "over the next few days" after he came off injured in their draw with West Brom on Wednesday night.

Saints scored late to win a point against the Baggies and now sit three points off the Championship's top six.

Scienza was forced off in the 37th minute of the game, replaced by Tom Fellows, after feeling some discomfort following a challenge.

"It looked like the groin but I don't know how serious it is as of now," Eckert told BBC Radio Solent.

"We'll have to assess it over the next few days, we still can't say too much for now.

"There were a few things that happened today that didn't go in our favour but it is what it is, not every game is going to unfold the way that you want it to."

Southampton are next in action on Saturday when they travel away to take on league leaders Coventry City.

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Southampton boss Tonda Eckert has said the race for the play-offs is now in their hands after his side snatched a late equaliser against West Brom on Wednesday night.

Cyle Larin's injury time goal extended the Saint's unbeaten run to 11 games in all competitions, and moved them to within touching distance of 6th placed Wrexham.

"It was very important to get that late equaliser because we have yet to play Wrexham, so from now on it's in our own hands," Eckert told BBC Radio Solent.

"It was important to dig deep and tonight showed the character of the team.

"There will be more games that look more beautiful, but today we showed we can play better, but we played a good team who are fighting for everything.

"Today we have to be happy to take the point and move on."

Southampton head to the league leaders Coventry on Saturday for what will be their fourth consecutive away game in all competitions.

"Four on the bounce was always going to be tough," he said.

"It is not easy to maintain the energies, but we are pushing. Now we have to recover and go strong again against Coventry.

"There were things today that didn't go in our favour, but it is what it is. It was a big and important character test for us."

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Norwich City boss Philippe Clement, Southampton's Tonda Eckert, Frank Lampard of Coventry City and Millwall head coach Alex Neil have been nominated for the Championship's manager of the month award for February.

The Canaries won four of their five league games last month to move comfortably clear of the relegation zone.

Southampton have climbed to within three points of the play-off places after 13 points from an unbeaten February which included coming from 3-0 down to beat Leicester City 4-3.

Coventry City lost the leadership of the Championship when they opened the month with a draw against Oxford United, but four consecutive wins, followed by back-to-back victories in March, means they are now eight points clear at the top.

Millwall also collected four wins from their five games, including victories at play-off rivals Wrexham and Preston.

The winner of the February award will be revealed on Friday, 13 March.