Saints predicted team to face Swansea as Eckert switches to midfield three

Saints have won six of their last seven meetings with Swansea, but they face a dangerous, high-press team under Portuguese coach Vitor Matos.

However, Saints have also picked up more home Championship points than any other side since Eckert’s first home league game in November 2025.

So, with Swansea unbeaten in their opening five games and Saints looking to get back to winning ways, here is how we think Eckert could line up...

Daniel Peretz is still waiting for his first clean sheet of the season, but he made a couple of good saves against Lincoln and probably deserved one.

Daniel Peretz is looking to win his first clean sheet (Image: PA)

James Bree has started every game so far this term, and that will continue, while Ryan Manning should return to the lineup after rest on Saturday.

Jack Stephens came into the team at Lincoln, but Zach Abbott could make a first start to boost in-possession alongside first choice Keven Schlotterbeck.

Flynn Downes and James Ward-Prowse have likely established themselves as the starting midfield pair, at least while Caspar Jander is still out.

However, Eckert could turn that pair into a trio and start Cam Bragg as he looks to combat the high energy Swansea boast in the middle of the park.

James Ward-Prowse started for the first time on Saturday (Image: PA)

Finn Azaz struggled to take control of the game at Lincoln, but getting the ball to him quickly will be key to taking advantage of Swansea's gaps.

Leo Scienza and Cyle Larin will be in receipt of his services, and both should be relatively fresh after only playing 60 minutes of Saturday's match.

Full predicted team

(4-3-3): Peretz; Bree, Abbott, Schlotterbeck, Manning; Downes, Ward-Prowse, Bragg; Azaz, Scienza, Larin.