Southampton boss Tonda Eckert praises 'good' Preston North End as he hopes for triple injury boost
Preston face Southampton at Deepdale on Saturday.
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has warned his promotion-chasing side against complacency when they take on rock-bottom Preston North End on Saturday, and is hoping to welcome Leo Scienza back to the fold.
Preston are nine points from safety after a torrid start to the Championship season, with Graham Alexander aiming to get his first win at the seventh attempt.
North End have just five points on the board so far, but Eckert believes the team have 'deserved' to win a lot more than that from some of their performances.
“I think they’ve actually played quite a few games where they deserved a lot more," Eckert said ahead of the game, via Southampton's official website.
"They’ve been a good team. It doesn’t really show in the results. Obviously, that’s clear, but I think there is a lot in the team.
“It’s a difficult place to go to. We need to prepare well, recover, make sure that we have a good session on Friday and empty the tank on Saturday as the last game before we go into the break.”
Preston North End vs Southampton team news
Southampton are hoping to welcome three key players back to the squad for the match at Deepdale, though Scienza is looking the most likely.
The Brazilian winger was a late withdrawal from the Saints squad for Tuesday's draw at West Brom, but the injury was not expected to be long-term.
However, star striker Cyle Larin, who has already scored eight goals this season but has missed the last three games, and midfielder Caspar Jander are heavy doubts.
Speaking after facing WBA, Eckert said: “Leo was a very late decision. He’s been in quite a lot of pain, so it didn’t make sense today, but I am very hopeful for him to feature for Saturday.
“For Caspar and Cyle we will need to assess.”
Lewis Dobbin will likely return to Deepdale with Southampton after his successful loan spell last season saw him score 11 goals, earning him a big-money move to the South Coast.
Preston have their own problems as Alexander will be forced into at least two changes from the midweek's 3-2 defeat to Sheffield United.
Johnny Kenny suffered a hamstring injury early in the match and is unavailable, while Leo Leroy is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season.
Ali McCann, Harry Clarke, Lewis Gibson and Liam Gibbs all remain side-lined, though Greg Docherty is eligible to play after signing for the club until the end of the season on Friday.