Saints are looking to continue a good home record under Eckert, having won five, drawn two and lost one of their eight such games under the German.
Watford are as topsy-turvy as ever, now winless in their last five league games (D3 L2), scoring just two goals in that run – having won their previous four.
The Hornets visit St Mary’s managerless as Javi Gracia, who was not even the boss when Saints drew 2-2 at Vicarage Road in October, resigned last week.
Tonda Eckert boasts an impressive record at St Mary’s (Image: PA)
Here is how we think Eckert will line up his charges this afternoon…
Goalkeeper
Daniel Peretz has two clean sheets in his last three appearances, and he has made a good impression since his January loan from Bayern Munich.
Defenders
James Bree was cast aside for the first half of the season, but he and Welington have refreshed Saints in the full-back positions in recent weeks.
They will keep their places and flank skipper Jack Stephens and key man Taylor Harwood-Bellis, whose renewed partnership is yielding results.
Saints get better results with skipper Jack Stephens (Image: PA)
Midfielders
Shea Charles must feel pretty unfortunate because he would start in most teams, but there is no need to drop either Flynn Downes or Caspar Jander.
They are providing a solid base for creative hub Finn Azaz to express himself, with the Irishman providing a goal and assist across his last two games.
Attackers
New signing Cyle Larin could make the squad for the first time, while Sam Edozie and Cam Archer will return from their hiatuses of varying lengths.
But all three are likely to be on the bench, with Tom Fellows, Leo Scienza and Ross Stewart – who Saints need to keep fit – set to lead the line once more.
Leo Scienza has two goals and an assist in four matches (Image: PA)
Full predicted team
(4-2-3-1): Peretz; Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Welington; Downes, Jander, Fellows, Azaz, Scienza; Stewart.