This Week's Opposition: Southampton

A look at the Blues' South Coast rivals ahead of this weekend's highly-anticipated Championship clash.

Club football is finally back and what a way to return - A South Coast Derby awaits Pompey at St Mary’s.

MANAGER

Having seen his FA hearing reach its conclusion, Tonda Eckert remains in the dugout and will be present for this match.

The German boss was handed a suspended 6-week sentence and a £28,000 fine following the evidence presented as part of the infamous ‘Spygate Scandal’, which saw Southampton expelled from the Play-Offs last campaign and docked 4 points this term.

Eckert is 33-years-old and initially joined the club in July 2025 as head coach of the Under-21s but took the helm of the senior team in November following the sacking of Will Still.

ONE TO WATCH

Former Blues season ticket holder James Ward-Prowse is back at Southampton, signing in the summer as a free agent from West Ham.

The midfielder, who wears the number 30 shirt, is now 31-years-of-age and previously spent 2 decades with the rivals of the club he supported as a boy, joining the academy at 8 and making his senior debut at 16 before moving on for pastures new in 2023.

Since his return, Ward-Prowse has been ever-present within the heart of the Southampton midfield.

TOP SCORER

With 7 league goals so far this campaign, Cyle Larin is not only Southampton’s leading scorer but the Championship’s too.

The 31-year-old striker initially joined Southampton on loan from Mallorca last term but made that move permanent in June.

Larin also represents Canada on the international stage and scored 2 goals at this year’s FIFA World Cup.

CURRENT FORM

Despite being deducted 4 points at the start of the season, Tonda Eckert’s side are now sat 13th on 10 points - They would be on 14 without those removed.

They have failed to win away from home in 4 attempts so far this term but have won all 4 of their fixtures at St Mary’s, boasting the best home record in the league.

Southampton’s last fixture against Wrexham produced a 2-1 defeat in North Wales, having gone 6 unbeaten in the league prior to that.

Can either of these sides claim bragging rights or will another South Coast Derby end honours even?

Jake Smith, Graham Butterworth and Danny Thompson will be broadcasting LIVE from St Mary's from 11am on Sunday morning to bring you full coverage of Southampton vs Portsmouth in the Championship.

Kick-off: 12pm!