SOUTHAMPTON boss Tonda Eckert is looking to avenge the 2-1 loss at the Kassam Stadium on Boxing Day.
Southampton now face relegation-fighters Oxford tomorrow afternoon at St Mary’s stadium as they look to extend their unbeaten run to 14 matches.
Southampton can go level on points with Hull City in fifth tomorrow, but after losing in the reverse fixture Eckert is taking nothing for granted.
The manager said, “It was a tough one. I think it had an impact on the games that came after. We know about the importance of tomorrow and we are very well prepared. We are full of energy.”
Although, The U’s have had an upturn in form themselves in recent weeks under Matt Bloomfield. They have won three of their last four and are now just one point from safety.
Eckert was very complimentary of his opposition, “I think there were only couple of minutes last week to stop them winning four in a row. We know they are coming off good form. We have hade this in the last games that we have faced teams who are full of confidence.”
The Saints are full of confidence themselves as they are now 13 unbeaten and have marched into the top six.
Although, the German manager said, “We need to focus on the job. I haven’t noticed anything different. The players are so focused on what’s coming up, they looked so sharp in training today.”
There was a boost to the Southampton team as Eckert gave some positive news on recent absentees, “They (Leo Scienza and Ross Stewart) have been both on the pitch today. I’m quite positive that at least one will be available tomorrow.”
