Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert believes Hull City’s identity and efficiency are key facets of the Tigers’ success this season, as the pair prepare to meet at St Mary’s.
City won the reverse fixture convincingly in September when Saints were managed by Will Still, and go into the game eight points above one of last season’s relegated Premier League teams, looking to get back into the top six in their first Championship outing since New Year’s Day.
On the road, City have won three and drawn one of their last four, with the Saints unbeaten in six at home, though they are also winless in their last six league outings.
Sergej Jakirovic’s side have surprised many this term and remain firmly in the promotion race, though they’ll arrive on the South Coast hampered by injuries.
Eckert has credited City under Jakirovic for having a very defined way of playing and feels the Tigers pose a real threat, but is confident his team can cause problems.
“Clear identity and efficiency. I think that they have been very efficient in the way they have played. They are always a threat in counterattacks,” the German said on the eve of the meeting with the Tigers.
“It’s a team that doesn’t cross a lot, but when they do cross, they are always dangerous, and that will be the challenge and then on the other side, I think that we have some opportunities to hurt them.”
“It’s an important week, but it’s nice that there are many home games coming up. That will help us massively, we have had excellent support. We plan to continue on that.”
Saints have nothing like the injury worries that the Tigers do, but they’ll be without Cameron Bragg, Shea Charlie and Mads Roerslev, while goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has left for Stoke City on loan.
“Braggy is going to be out for the weekend [concussion]. Mads [Roerslev] needs a bit more time. Shea [Charles] has looked very good. Tomorrow is a little bit early for him, but we are positive that he will be involved on Wednesday.”
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