Wrexham will face few tougher challenges this season than their opening game against Southampton, especially considering the way the Saints have kicked into gear under their new manager Will Still.
All eyes will be on Wrexham next weekend when they begin their much-anticipated campaign in the Championship at St. Mary’s against recently-relegated Southampton.
Phil Parkinson has put together an impressive squad over the course of the summer with seven new signings already through the door, and more set to come.
It’ll be an intriguing and very difficult season for the Red Dragons, returning to the second tier for the first time in 43 years, and the prospect of facing Will Still’s Southampton will be an especially daunting one.
Southampton are in fine form under Will Still
It’s quite hard to pin down what to expect from Southampton. They were objectively abysmal in the Premier League last season, racking up just 12 points across the whole campaign.
However, they’ve largely kept the core of their team intact (for now), with the likes of Tyler Dibling, Mateus Fernandes, and Taylor Harwood-Bellis remaining and being joined by Shea Charles and Ronnie Edwards who come off impressive loan spells in the second tier last term.
Throw in the big-money signings of Damian Downs up top and Joshua Quarshie at the back, and Southampton already have a squad capable of competing at the top of the table in 2025/26.
Will Still is something of an unknown quantity, though, having only proven himself in France thus far. The popular coach comes with a strong reputation, but will need to show what he can do in England.
| Date | Opponent | Score |
| 02/08/25 | Brighton (H) | D 2-2 |
| 26/07/25 | Espanyol (A) | L 2-1 |
| 23/07/25 | CD Castellón (A) | D 1-1 |
| 18/07/25 | Valenciennes (H) | W 2-1 |
| 15/07/25 | Gillingham (H) | W 4-1 |
| 12/07/25 | Eastleigh (A) | W 2-1 |
He’ll be looking to make a statement on the opening day against Wrexham, then, and pre-season form for the Saints suggests he’ll get his wish.
Southampton have lost just one game, against La Liga outfit Espanyol, while they’ve picked up three wins and two draws, including the most recent coming against Premier League side Brighton.
It should be noted that Southampton have triumphed over National League side Eastleigh, League Two Gillingham, and French third tier side Vanenciennes. Still, you can only beat the teams in front of you.
- READ MORE: Wrexham fans have a lot to say about Josh Windass after first match since Sheffield Wednesday exit
Wrexham have to get their act together fast
Southampton were always going to be difficult to beat, especially on their own turf. However, thinking about Wrexham’s pre-season form, it’s easy to see why the Red Dragons might be extra nervous now.
Last time out, Josh Windass and Lewis O’Brien impressed but there are still concerns over some players, most notably Arthur Okonkwo after the game against FC Groningen.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
| 11/07/25 | Melbourne Victory | W 3-0 |
| 15/07/25 | Sydney FC | L 2-1 |
| 19/07/25 | Wellington Phoenix | L 1-0 |
| 02/08/25 | FC Groningen | L 3-1 |
A win over Melbourne Victory at the start of the tour Down Under was followed up by defeats against Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix before the loss against Groningen this weekend.
Parkinson has new players to settle into his squad, which will take time, and all signs suggest Wrexham simply will not be ready for Southampton come Saturday. But, the Red Dragons have been doubted time and time again, and they’ll relish the idea of proving everyone wrong again this season.