Wrexham take on Southampton as all of the hard work during pre-season now comes to a head.
Phil Parkinson is expected to hand out a number of debuts in his Wrexham starting XI and will be hoping for a positive start to the Championship campaign.
Southampton are without Tyler Dibling for the game after the young winger continues to be linked with a move to Premier League outfit Everton.
Fans have been waiting since Sam Smith’s double against Charlton for this moment and the Wrexham Insider writers have given their predictions for the huge opening clash.
READ MORE: Phil Parkinson can already break 51-year Wrexham record in Championship season opener
Southampton v Wrexham score predictions
Josh Barker – Southampton 2-1 Wrexham
“Wrexham definitely have the momentum going into this fixture and their new signings should give them a boost. But I still think Southampton, especially away from home, is a step too far right now.
The Championship is incredibly competitive and anything can happen, and while I expect a close game, I think the Saints will just edge it.”
Luke Phelps – Southampton 1-1 Wrexham
“A few weeks ago I would’ve said Southampton win this game quite easily. Now I think it’s looking like a really difficult one for the Saints whose summer transfer window so far has been very unimpressive.
“I just fear that the new Wrexham players haven’t enough time together to really start to gel. I think it’ll be tight and I think Wrexham will nick a point.”
George Light – Southampton 2-0 Wrexham
“Wrexham couldn’t have asked for a tougher start to life in the Championship, the fact that Southampton’s last two home league games were a draw with Manchester City and a narrow defeat to Arsenal tells you everything you need to know about the size of the task.
“I expect Wrexham to be solid defensively and make life hard for Will Still’s side but eventually the pressure will tell and Southampton will run out comfortable 2-0 winners.”
Wrexham team news ahead of Southampton clash
EFL Experts are backing Southampton to win the match but the Red Dragons will be quietly confident of picking up a positive result at St Mary’s Stadium.
Parkinson has a number of injury concerns as the Wrexham boss is without midfielder Ollie Rathbone and Jay Rodriguez won’t get the opportunity to face his former club.
New signings Conor Coady and Lewis O’Brien are expected to start, whilst the real question for Parkinson comes up top.
Ryan Hardie has had a full pre-season under his belt, however, Kieffer Moore signed earlier this week and has had a few training sessions with the team.