Saints host Sheffield United at St Mary’s

Southampton host Sheffield United in the Sky Bet Championship tonight at St Mary’s, with the Saints looking to end a 7 game league winless run.

Saints narrowly lost to Hull City at St Mary’s on the weekend 2-1, and with their second home game in 4 days, Tonda Eckert’s side will be looking to bounce back with a win.

Southampton start the day in 15th place, 6 points above the relegation zone, and 10 points off the play off places and without a win since victory away at West Brom in early December.

The visitors start two places and one point behind the Saints, and come into the fixture on the back off two defeats, one in the cup to Mansfield and then in the league to Charlton, where they went down to 9 men before the half-time interval.

Despite the home side’s poor form as of late, fan favourite Leo Scienza has continued his impressive performances since his arrival to St Mary’s in the summer, claiming the Man of The Match award against hull despite ending up on the losing side, and as Saint’s joint top assister this season, Eckert will hope that the Brazilian can inspire his side to victory.

The reverse fixture saw Saints come from behind to claim a 2-1 victory away at Bramall lane thanks to a double from Scottish Striker Ross Stewart.

Stewart has struggled with injuries during his two-and-a-half year stint at Southampton, but returned to the team at the weekend, scoring off the bench in the 71st minute against Hull.

With summer signing Damion Downs already out the door in January, Eckert will be relying on Stewart to stay fit contribute regular goals.

Also out the door was goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, who joined Stoke on loan for the rest of the season, keeping a clean sheet on his first start for the Potters against Queens Park Rangers.

His replacement, Daniel Pretez, who joined on loan from Bayern Munich until the end of the season, made his league debut against Hull , and will be looking to keep his first clean sheet for Saints tonight.