Southampton’s Tonda Eckert on West Ham’s Set-Piece Threat in Pre-Match Presser

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert spoke on Friday, the day before the Championship match against West Ham United at the London Stadium. Kick-off on Saturday 24 October is at 3pm, with Michael Salisbury the referee.

Eckert gave fitness updates on Flynn Downes, Cyle Larin and Caspar Jander, and discussed Southampton’s finishing and tactical shape. He also talked about West Ham’s threat from set pieces and their goalscorers. Southampton are eighth with 17 points from 11 games, and West Ham are second with 22.

Downes fitness

“Getting better day after day. We’ll assess today and he’s doing everything to be involved tomorrow.”

What he said

Asked about Flynn Downes, Eckert said the midfielder is improving daily and that the club would assess him on the day of the press conference.

What he meant

Eckert did not rule Downes in or out. The wording suggests the decision rests on a final check, and that the player is pushing to be involved.

Southampton’s injury list for this game names Mads Roerslev (knee) and Jander (hamstring). Downes does not appear on it.

Larin hamstring

“It’s that part of the hamstring towards the tendon, but it’s the same for him that he’s trying everything to make it tomorrow.”

What he said

Eckert described the location of Cyle Larin’s hamstring problem and said the player is trying to be available for the West Ham game.

What he meant

Eckert gave a similar message on Larin as on Downes: the player is working to be ready, but nothing is confirmed. He described the injury in specific terms and did not give a firm verdict on availability.

Jander’s involvement

“He’s had a very good week, so he’ll be involved tomorrow.”

What he said

Eckert was more definite about Caspar Jander, saying he will be involved on Saturday after a good week of training.

What he meant

Jander is listed with a hamstring injury, so Eckert’s comment is the clearest sign that he is back in contention. It is the firmest of Eckert’s three fitness updates.

Finishing

“So to be fair, I think our finishing has been exceptional before the international break, probably a little bit better than the chances would have allowed us.”

What he said

Eckert said Southampton’s finishing was exceptional before the international break and slightly better than the chances created.

What he meant

Analysis: the results fit his description. Southampton scored eight goals in three September matches, beating Swansea City 3-1 and Bristol City 4-1 before a 2-1 defeat at Wrexham.

In their last three games they scored twice, winning 1-0 at home to Portsmouth and 1-0 at Norwich City, then drawing 0-0 at home to Bolton Wanderers. Eckert’s comment reads as an acknowledgement that the earlier scoring rate was unlikely to continue.

Tactical shape

“I think that we have played as a base structure out of a 4-2-3-1 most of the games.”

What he said

Eckert said Southampton have used a 4-2-3-1 as their base structure in most games this season.

What he meant

Analysis: he described the shape as a base, which leaves room for changes within games. Southampton have conceded 10 goals in 11 league matches, and West Ham have scored 30 in the same number of games.

West Ham’s set pieces

“I think that’s been a common theme with West Ham this season, is that they make their way into games on a set-piece.”

What he said

Eckert said West Ham have often got into games through set pieces this season.

What he meant

Analysis: West Ham’s recent corner numbers are consistent with that. They won 35 corners across their last six league games, including 11 in the 2-2 draw at Millwall and 11 in the 6-0 win at Lincoln City.

Southampton won 24 in their own last six, so Eckert’s side will have to defend dead-ball situations repeatedly.

Facing West Ham’s scorers

“Well, let’s hope that we don’t have to defend them with nine men.”

What he said

Asked about facing West Ham’s top scorers, Eckert replied that he hoped Southampton would not have to defend against them with nine men.

What he meant

The reply was light in tone but acknowledged the size of the task. West Ham have scored 30 goals in 11 games and have lost once in the league. They have won three and drawn two of their last five.

Being brave on the ball

“I think that they’re going to be more than enough if we show up brave on the day.”

What he said

Eckert said the qualities available to Southampton would be more than enough if the team are brave on the day.

What he meant

His message was about attitude as much as tactics. Southampton have won six of 11 league games and lost twice, and they are five points behind West Ham in the table. Eckert is asking for courage in possession rather than caution.

Confidence check: Measured

Eckert sounded measured. He was open about West Ham’s strengths, joking about defending against their scorers and naming their set-piece threat as a recurring pattern. He also admitted that Southampton’s finishing had run ahead of the chances created.

He expressed belief in his own squad, saying they would be “more than enough” if they play bravely. The form backs a balanced view. Southampton have won three, drawn one and lost one of their last five, and West Ham have won three and drawn two.

His fitness updates were cautious, with Downes and Larin still working towards availability and only Jander described as definitely involved.

How to watch

West Ham vs Southampton is not shown live on UK television: Saturday 3pm kick-offs fall in the UK broadcast blackout.