Championship promotion match: Coventry City who will advance?

Southampton – 4th with 72 points

On January 17, Southampton lost 2-1 at home to Hull City. They were ranked 15th, with 7 games without a win and 4 points behind Leicester City.

Relegated just six points below them and the play-off spots separated by 10 points, questions were raised about whether Tonda Eckert was really the man to take the team forward.

Three months on, Saints have not lost since and their record of 12 wins and three draws has seen them climb the table ahead of an FA Cup semi-final tie against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 25 April.

There is no doubt that they are a team in good form and heading into a home game against Ipswich Town, the question is no longer if they can make the play-offs but if they can carry all that form into the second promotion spot.

“If Southampton can finish second it will be one of the greatest stories ever told in the English Football League,” McAnuff said.

“They were destitute. Looking at them as a group, they just disappeared.

“Now they are still outsiders in the top two because of where they come from, so they have the freedom to attack every game. That makes them dangerous.”

St Mary’s is full of confidence after rising in the league and knocking Premier League duo Fulham and Arsenal out of the cup.

Head coach Eckert has made adjustments to his team in recent games, but his foot remains firmly on the gas.

“It sounds boring because I keep repeating myself, but we need to keep our heads down and keep working. That’s the only way,” the German said.

“This team is in a moment and a position now where you can put on whoever you want and they’re ready and able to perform well. That’s a big advantage for us at this stage of the season.

“That’s what this stage of the season is all about. When you step on the grass, you need to be ready to perform.”