Southampton

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Southampton will hope to continue their surge towards an automatic promotion spot in the Championship when they visit Swansea City on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 15:00 BST).

Saints have won seven on the bounce in the league and are within just three points of second-placed Ipswich, who have a game in hand.

The Swans, who are 14th on 57 points, officially cannot go down, while a play-off spot is all-but impossible with the gap to Hull in sixth now 11 points with four games to play.

Vitor Matos' side have won just one of their past five games (D2 L2), though that did come last time out with a 1-0 victory at Leicester City.

• Swansea have won just two of their previous 16 league games against Southampton (D5 L9), while they have failed to score in 10 of their past 14 against Saints.

• Swansea are winless in their past two home league matches (D1 L1), conceding five goals across those two games; more than in their previous 10 league matches at the Swansea.com Stadium combined (4).

• Southampton have won five of their past six away league games against Swansea, with the exception being a 2-1 defeat in January 2017.

• Southampton are unbeaten in their past seven away league games, winning five of them (D2). In Tonda Eckert's first seven away league matches in charge, the Saints won just twice and lost four of them (D1).

• Swansea's Zan Vipotnik has scored in each of his past three Championship games (four goals), and could score in four in a row for the first time in the competition.

Image source, Getty Images

On Tuesday, we asked for your thoughts on Southampton's automatic promotion hopes and if you would be happy with a play-off spot after a slow start to the season.

The Saints are unbeaten in their past 15 Championship games and have won seven on the bounce to climb from 15th in mid-January to fourth, just three points behind second-placed Ipswich, who have a game in hand.

However, Tonda Eckert's side face the Tractor Boys in the penultimate game of the season on 28 April, three days after their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley.

Here are some of your responses:

JP: After such a poor start, finishing anywhere in the top six is a colossal achievement. And to be two victories away from claiming the FA Cup? Total dreamland! Tonda and the team have brought smiles to fans' faces and put hope in our hearts. I'm proud to be a Saint!

Michael: I don't think we should sacrifice the FA Cup for the dubious privilege of a return to the Premier League, but I don't believe we will. We have enough strength in depth and confidence to give it a right go against City. And we only conceded one goal against them in two league fixtures last season! The Wembley experience will be a great rehearsal for any play-off final that may result if we don't catch Ipswich (and get through the play-off semi).

Pete: Saints have done brilliantly but personally I would rather see them win the FA Cup than win promotion. I think the vast majority of fans would agree that unless you support a "top six" team, the rest of the teams are just vying for survival. I think the Championship is much more interesting than the Premier League.

Nigel: A play-off position would be a great outcome given where we were earlier in the season. Second place is probably unlikely, though I am sure they will give it a good shot.

Charlie: Considering the situation when Still was sacked and after losing to Hull in January, play-offs are a brilliant result. Promotion has to be the goal now, however, whether automatically or not.

Clive: It's been quite a journey over the last three months or so. Absolutely unbelievable to be where we are now after the horror of last season and the start of this. To get to Wembley (more than once) this season would be the icing on the cake, it really would, but we have achieved so much already.

Sean: Sadly I fear the semi-final, in which we have very little chance of success, will be a big distraction and add to those tired legs just ahead of the vital game against Ipswich.

Roy: Who would have ever thought we would be considering promotion back in early January when we lost to Boro and Hull? We've not lost a game since, we are winning games and scoring goals. Goal difference could yet be important. I would be surprised if Ipswich don't get enough points for second but we will be there or thereabouts and will get a play-off semi at least with a home second-leg.

Ryan: Considering our form until January, I'd have bitten your hand off for a play-off place come the end of the season. My hope with only four games left is to keep pushing for that automatic promotion place and we will see where we end up once the 46 games are done! The team is gelling and working well, and Eckert deserves all the praise for getting a tune out of the squad and making the right additions in January.

Brian: I have supported Southampton for too long to get carried away with hope that we can clinch second place. At the moment Tonda and his team have made it easier to join in the football banter at work. Ipswich in my opinion will gain automatic promotion with Coventry. Let's keep our feet on the ground and hope we have another Wembley date for the play-off final. Either way I like the way we are playing at the moment and long may it continue.

Glen de la Cour
Southampton FC fan writer

Image source, Shutterstock

Just before Saints played Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-final, I was asked on our Total Saints Podcast if I thought that automatic promotion was still a possibility?

My response was that, in the real world, it wasn't but let's have a look again if we can win our next two league games against play-off contenders, Wrexham and Derby.

Fast forward a couple of weeks and those games have been won, as has a further game at home to Blackburn and then you start looking at the teams around you.

Middlesbrough, Hull and Millwall all seem to be faltering to different degrees, which leaves Ipswich, who, on the night we comfortably dispatched Blackburn, managed to lose to Portsmouth.

No Saints fan is ever happy when Portsmouth win, but we were pleased that Ipswich lost.

Suddenly, we are just three points behind the Tractor Boys and we still have to play them.

Until that point, Saints can only take care of Swansea away and Bristol City at home, and as a long-suffering fan, I am just waiting for the wheels to fall off, with the 'game every four days' run of fixtures we are on at the moment.

If we take care of our own business and are still in touch with Ipswich going into that huge game on 28 April at St Mary's, then who knows?

Right now, Ipswich are still the favourites to go up automatically because they have a three-point lead and a game in hand, but they will be looking over their shoulders now and that brings pressure, especially when one team chasing you down is on an 18-game unbeaten run and has won six league matches in a row.

The fact we have to play Ipswich straight after we have had an emotional and energy-sapping day chasing Manchester City around at Wembley, will also be in their favour.

The most likely outcome is that Saints, Middlesbrough, Millwall and Hull will be in the play-offs.

At St Mary's, Saints walk out to a punk anthem by The Skids from 1978 called "The Saints are Coming".

Any more slips and our rivals for that second automatic promotion spot will be hearing those words.

For more from Glen and the Total Saints Podcast, head here., external

It's been quite a few weeks at St Mary's.

Saints made it seven straight wins on Tuesday night with a home win over Blackburn, while their south coast rivals Portsmouth did them a big favour with victory over Ipswich, just three days after picking up another win at Middlesbrough.

It all means Southampton, now unbeaten in 18 games, have jumped into fourth and are just three points behind second-placed Ipswich in a tight four-way race for automatic promotion.

The Tractor Boys still have a game in hand, but also face Middlesbrough, now below Saints on goal difference, on Sunday (12:00 BST). They also have to head to St Mary's for what could be a pivotal clash in the penultimate round of matches on 28 April, just three days after Southampton's FA Cup semi-final date with Man City.

So how are you feeling, Saints fans? Have you hit top form at the perfect time? Will your trip to Wembley be a distraction? After such a slow start to the season, would a play-off place be a good outcome or have you got bigger ambitions now given your form?

Click here to have your say.

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert told his players to keep working after they beat Blackburn Rovers 3-0 to make it six consecutive Championship wins.

It was a great night for the fourth-placed Saints, who are in real contention for automatic promotion after their south-coast rivals Portsmouth beat second-placed Ipswich 2-0 at Fratton Park.

"We did them a favour as well. It's a strong south coast today," Eckert told BBC Radio Solent.

Relegated last season and 21st when Will Still was sacked as manager in November, Southampton now unbeaten in 18 matches and are in the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

"It sounds boring because I keep repeating myself, but we need to keep our heads down and keep working. It's the only way," said Eckert.

"This squad is in a moment and a place where you can put on whoever you want to put on and they're ready and well able to perform. That's a big plus for us at this part of the season.

"That's all it comes down to at this stage of the season. When you step on the grass you need to be ready to perform."

Southampton's Tom Fellows is hoping to contribute more goals and assists as Saints seek promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Fellows has featured in 15 of the 17-game unbeaten run in all competitions, making three assists but the midfielder is yet to score this season.

"It's always on your mind but sometimes I'm more interested in the general performance. I think some of my best games have been when I haven't scored, I haven't assisted," Fellows told BBC Radio Solent.

"We've got a lot of competition in the squad, so I've just got to try and play a little bit better and help the team more but I think it's going great for everyone and long may it continue."

Southampton currently sit fifth in the Championship, having picked up 36 points since their last loss to Hull City in January.

The appointment of head coach Tonda Eckert kickstarted a remarkable turnaround for Saints, who were sat 21st in the table and looking more likely to be embroiled in a relegation scrap than shooting for promotion when previous boss Will Still was sacked at the beginning of November.

"[Eckert]'s very tactical, very detailed, obsessed with the game. He's also a very good man-manager. He speaks to you a lot, he knows how to deal with certain things well. It's that balance which is why we've done so well," Fellows said.

"A breath of fresh air."

Southampton host Blackburn Rovers in the Championship tonight (20:00 BST), when a win would take them closer to the automatic promotion spots.

"[Blackburn] are obviously in a relegation battle, that always brings a little bit extra out, especially towards the end of the season when you know another good result will help them so much," Fellows said.

"We've got to match that and we're fighting for something; got our own goals."

"We understand they're going to be well drilled, physical but they can also play some good football so it will be a tough game."

Listen to the full interview with Tom Fellows and more Saints on BBC Sounds.

Image source, Southampton FC

Southampton have signed 17-year-old Mali youth international Issa Tounkara.

The defensive midfielder plays for Academie des Etoiles du Mande in his homeland and has agreed terms to officially join Saints in the summer after his 18th birthday.

Tounkara recently captained his country at the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations where his side made the final but ended up losing to Morocco on penalties.

"We're delighted to welcome Issa to Southampton," Saints technical director Johannes Spors said., external

"He's an exciting talent and there was interest from several top European academies, so we're very pleased he has chosen us.

"He'll now have the time and environment to continue his development within our academy set-up when he arrives at Staplewood in the summer."

Martin Sanders
Southampton fan writer

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

If there was any doubt about Taylor Harwood-Bellis' importance to Southampton, the past week has removed it entirely.

Across recent victories over Arsenal, Wrexham and Derby, he has delivered performances that define not just matches, but momentum.

At a stage of the season where pressure intensifies and margins tighten, Harwood-Bellis is stepping forward as the leader this side needs.

Saturday's win over Derby felt particularly significant as, with the game finely poised, it was Harwood-Bellis who rose highest to score the winner.

That was a moment that underlined both his defensive authority and growing influence in the opposition box - it was not just a goal, it was a player taking responsibility when it mattered most.

There is now a real composure to his game, when pressure builds he does not panic instead he controls, organising those around him and ensuring Southampton remain structured.

Speaking after the Arsenal win, Harwood-Bellis made it clear that this unbeaten run is no accident, it is built on belief, detail and the work of the manager.

That shift in mentality has been crucial, but it is backed by tactical precision.

From going direct into forwards, to winning second balls and exploiting space, Southampton now play with a clear and consistent identity.

Those details are making a difference. He is winning more first contacts, making smarter decisions and playing with a calmness that was not always there before.

There is no doubt this is the best we have seen of him in a Southampton shirt, he has developed massively, with his vision and composure now central to how Saints build from the back.

As the promotion race intensifies, Harwood-Bellis is not just contributing, he is defining it.

You can find more of Martin's thoughts regarding Saints on his YouTube channel., external

Image source, Opta

Having stormed into the play-off places with 11 wins and three draws in the league since their last defeat in mid-January and also reached the FA Cup semi-finals, Southampton will look to extend their 17-match unbeaten run overall when they host Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday (20:00 BST).

A win would take Saints above Middlesbrough into fourth in the Championship on goal difference.

Blackburn have been languishing in the bottom half of the table for most of the season but can move seven points clear of the relegation zone with victory.

• Southampton have only lost one of their last 20 home league games against Blackburn Rovers (W14 D5), a 2-1 defeat in November 2001 in the Premier League.

• After their 2-1 win in October, Blackburn are looking to complete only their third ever league double over Southampton, previously achieving this in 1938-39 and 2001-02.

• Southampton are yet to lose a midweek league game under Tonda Eckert, winning eight and drawing two of 10 such games.

• Blackburn have only won two of their last 13 midweek league games (D3 L8), losing four of five in 2026 (W1).

• Southampton's Finn Azaz has been involved in six goals in his last eight Championship appearances (three goals, three assists). Across the last two seasons, Azaz has more goals and assists combined than any other player in the division (he has 42 goal contributions: 23 goals, 19 assists).

Image source, BBC Sport

Will Perry
Final Score reporter

Image source, PA Media

The EFL could well have egg on their face. No place for Tonda Eckert on the manager of the season shortlist? Southampton's social media post simply reads, "just don't think they understand".

They were a place above the relegation zone when the unknown German was appointed caretaker in November following the sacking of Will Still.

Now Saints are unbeaten in 17 games in all competitions and sitting comfortably in a play-off spot with a game in hand.

Plus they'll hope there's still three trips to Wembley to come, with a date already in the diary - on 25 April - to take on Manchester City in an FA Cup semi-final.

It's not beyond the realms of possibility that they'll compete for an automatic promotion spot in their five remaining Championship games.

No matter what happens in the run-in, there's surely no doubt that Eckert will lead Saints next season. At the turn of the year a Premier League return looked impossible; it's now well and truly in their sights.

Southampton boss Tonda Eckert spoke to BBC Radio Solent after Saturday's 2-1 win against Derby County.

"It was our best game of the week, the boys were outstanding today. It was a top, top, top performance," he said.

"Every game has its own story. We were clearly on top in the first half and then conceded off a corner, which can happen. Then to keep pushing and to have the energy and belief to come back was outstanding today.

"There is a reason we are so close to Derby in the table, they have picked up so many points lately.

"There are no easy games, and just because you have won some games in the past you have to keep going to earn it again and again, and the boys did that very well."

Image source, Getty Images

The EFL has announced the fixtures for the 2026-27 season will be published at midday on Thursday, 25 June.

The first-round draws for the Carabao Cup and the Vertu Trophy will be made on the same day.

The new season will kick off on the weekend of August 7-9 with the first round of the Carabao Cup, and the opening fixtures in the Championship, League One and League Two will follow a week later on 14-16 August.

The first round of the Vertu Trophy will be played in the week commencing 21 September.

Image source, EFL

Millwall striker Josh Coburn has been named the Championship's player of the month for March.

The 23-year-old scored three goals last month as the Lions won two, drew one and lost one of their four matches.

Coburn scored the winning goal against Derby and an important equaliser at promotion rivals Ipswich with his tally for the season currently standing at nine.

It is the second successive month a Millwall player has won the award with winger Femi Azeez taking the February prize.

West Brom defender George Campbell, Southampton goalkeeper Daniel Peretz and Derby defender Matt Clarke were also nominated.

Millwall visit West Brom on Friday night (20:00 BST).

Image source, Shutterstock

Southampton's Tonda Eckert has been named the Championship's manager of the month for March.

The Saints went unbeaten in the league last month, winning three and drawing one of their four games including a victory at the leaders Coventry.

The Sky Blues' Frank Lampard, Matt Bloomfield of Oxford United and West Brom interim boss James Morrison were also nominated.

Eckert also won the award in February when Southampton were again unbeaten and have continued their good form into April, moving into the play-off places as well as reaching the semi-finals of the FA Cup.

They meet Derby at home on Saturday (15:00 BST).

Image source, Getty Images

Southampton have been granted permission to wear their commemorative shirt when they play Manchester City in the FA Cup semi final.

The special yellow strip marks 50 years since they won the FA Cup in 1976 against Manchester United.

Saints have worn the kit in all of their previous rounds of the competition this season, beating Doncaster, Leicester, Fulham and Arsenal on the way to Wembley.

The FA has confirmed the match will be played on Saturday 25 April, kicking off at 17:15 BST.

Saints have been allocated the west end of Wembley – the same end their fans were in for the 2024 Championship play-off final when they beat Leeds United.

They booked their spot in the semi-finals with a memorable win over Premier League leaders Arsenal when Ross Stewart and Shea Charles fired them to victory.

The game will be broadcast live on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

Southampton are hoping for a sixth successive win in all competitions having reached the FA Cup semi-finals with a victory over Arsenal last weekend and won 5-1 at Wrexham on Tuesday to move into the Championship play-off places.

Derby have won as many games away as they have at home this season (9) but were beaten at Coventry on their last road trip.

• Southampton have lost just one of their past 10 league games against Derby (W3 D6), going down 1-0 at home in February 2007.

• This is Derby's first away league game against Southampton since February 2012, when they lost 4-0 under Nigel Clough.

• Since Tonda Eckert's first game in charge of Southampton on 5 November, the Saints have picked up the most points (54) and scored the most goals (55) of any Championship side.

• John Eustace has picked up 84 points in 55 Championship games with Derby County (W24 D12 L19), the fifth-most of any side since his first game in charge last February.

• Finn Azaz has been involved in eight goals in his past 12 home league starts for Southampton (5 goals, 3 assists), including three in his last three (2 goals, 1 assist).