SAINTS club legend Oriel Romeu could be set to make his return debut this weekend, as interim manager Tonda Eckert confirms that the midfielder will be in the matchday squad against Millwall.
The experienced middleman will come into contention due to the absence of the suspended Flynn Downes and an injury to Damion Downs.
Speaking on Romeu’s return, Eckert said: “Oriol Romeu is going to be in the matchday squad tomorrow.
“There will be a big question for Damion to make it tomorrow. Sam Edozie and Ross (Stewart) take a little bit longer. We have a question mark behind Leo (Scienza), he has reported sick this morning.”
Questions still remain as to whether Romeu will slot straight into the starting lineup or whether he will make the bench, allowing Cam Bragg to make his fourth league appearance of the season.
Eckert hailed his team’s spirit and unity but stressed it is hard to change a winning line-up after four successive victories.
“There is obviously always a lot of thoughts about the dynamics of the group. We had a very good atmosphere on Wednesday. That doesn’t just come down to Tuesday’s starters, it comes down to everyone who wasn’t involved as well.
“You can feel that when you come into the building, we start to become a proper team and that needs everyone. A big compliment to everyone involved.
One to Watch – Southampton
Finn Azaz – The midfielder, who signed for the club in the summer from Middlesbrough for £12 million, is on fire with three goals in his last two games, kick-starting his season. For those EFL Fantasy Football players Azaz is a must-pick, having secured 30 points in MW17, the most in the EFL.
Saints’ opponents, who are managed by experienced manager Alex Neil, currently sit in 4th position in the league, after a flying start to the season. However, Millwall have only won one of their last five league matches so will be vulnerable against the high-flying ‘Eckert Army’.
Eckert acknowledged the club’s quality: “(Alex Neil) is an excellent manager. I remember playing against his side when he was at Preston. They are very well prepared. We watched their game on Wednesday; it’s going to be a challenge for us.”
They will be without midfielder Derek Mazou-Sacko who is set to be out for the next eight weeks, following an injury picked up against Portsmouth.
Will Smallbone, on loan from Southampton, is also out of action for Millwall due to injury.
One to Watch – Millwall
Femi Azeez – Millwall’s winger acted as a super sub in their last outing, coming on in the 61st minute and scoring his fifth goal in his last six games just ten minutes after entering the pitch. An in-form Azeez is a weapon Alex Neil won’t be scared to use as they look to earn back-to-back wins in the league.
The last time Southampton lost at The Den was in 1977 so with a strong away record, the return of Romeu and a fanbase full of excitement, Tonda Eckert and his side will be confident of ending the weekend with three points, and a spot in the play-off spaces.
