‘We’ve created momentum’ – Eckert challenges Saints to impose themselves on Preston

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has urged his squad to maintain their momentum and impose themselves against Preston North End on Saturday. Saints travel to Deepdale following a taxing 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night. A victory could move Southampton into the Championship's top two positions after an impressive run yielding 14 points from their last 18 available.

Preston sit bottom of the Championship with five points from 14 matches under Graham Alexander, who replaced former manager Paul Heckingbottom. Eckert highlighted Preston's shifting tactical setups while emphasizing that Southampton must focus on starting strongly, backed by an estimated 2,600 traveling supporters.