Stakes drop for Southampton at Preston North End as Tonda Eckert issues clear message
PNE host Southampton in their final game of the 2025/26 season
The stakes are not as high as they might’ve been for Southampton at Deepdale.
Preston North End host Tonda Eckert’s men on Saturday, in the last match of the regular Championship season. On November 1, the Lilywhites ran out 2-0 winners at St Mary’s and Will Still was sacked on the back of that defeat.
Eckert, who inherited a side sitting 21st in the division, has overseen a remarkable run of form since then. The 33-year-old German has guided Saints to 65 points from 32 games, as well as the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
However, Southampton did drop out of the automatic promotion race on Tuesday night when they drew 2-2 at home to Ipswich. The Tractor Boys will now fight it out with Millwall and Middlesbrough for second spot.
Saturday’s visitors now head to Preston knowing they will be in the play-offs. Saints are fifth at the time of writing and cannot finish lower than that, but know victory in Lancashire could push them as high as third.
A third or fourth placed finish would see Southampton play the second leg of their play-off, on home soil. A massive away following will make the trip to Deepdale and some Saints fans have called on Eckert to ring the changes this weekend.
Speaking post-match in midweek, he said: “We have clarity now. I think that's sometimes a good thing. Obviously, if you had asked me if I preferred to win, I'd take the three points.
“But it is what it is. We know what's coming up so we make sure we finish strong on Saturday. We'll do everything to win the game. Then it's on to the play-offs.”
What the game means for PNE
Speaking after last weekend’s enjoyable win at Sheffield United, boss Paul Heckingbottom was looking forward to the occasion. He has always preferred there to be something riding on games, given the challenge it presents to his players.
While Southampton know where they stand in terms of the play-offs, any side would want a home second-leg. Therefore, PNE will be preparing for a Saints side in full flow - regardless of whether Eckert opts to rest some members of his squad.
For North End, this is the last 90 minutes supporters will take with them into the summer. A positive last home game and top half finish - regardless of where PNE were at the half-way stage - is more than enough motivation for the team.