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Eckert says ‘we need to win’ at Preston: what that means for Southampton’s XI

Tonda Eckert wants three points at Deepdale on Saturday. Cyle Larin is still missing, so the front line is the one open selection question.

By Paul Blake · Saints Marching

Published: Saturday, 7 November 2026 at 10:01 AM

Key Things to Know

Tonda Eckert declared that Southampton need to defeat Preston at Deepdale to maintain their automatic promotion push.
Striker Cyle Larin remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained against Bolton.
Saints Marching argues Lewis Dobbin should start up front over Divin Mubama against his former loan club.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Southampton manager Tonda Eckert has stated that his team needs a victory against Preston at Deepdale on Saturday to stay in touch with the automatic promotion race. With striker Cyle Larin sidelined by a hamstring injury, Eckert faces a selection dilemma in attack between Lewis Dobbin and Divin Mubama.

Saints Marching argues that former Preston loanee Dobbin is the ideal fit to lead the line. Léo Scienza is expected to start on the left wing, while Caspar Jander remains a doubt due to a muscular problem.

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Eckert says ‘we need to win’ at Preston: what that means for Southampton’s XI

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