Southampton v Wrexham: Match Preview, Odds, Lineups, Prediction

Explore Coral's detailed preview for Southampton vs Wrexham in the Championship on matchday 1. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 12:30 BST match.

• Fixture: Southampton vs Wrexham

• Date: Saturday, 09 August 2025

• Kick-off: 12:30 BST

• Venue: St. Mary's Stadium

These two teams were in different divisions last season. However, Southampton suffered relegation from the Premier League, while Wrexham secured a third consecutive promotion, returning to the second tier for the first time since 1982. 

The visitors may be riding high following their recent successful campaigns. However, Southampton still have quality players in their ranks, which is the main reason why our prediction is a narrow home victory. The fact that Wrexham may be missing some players due to injury also factors into our assessment of the game. 

Match Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Wrexham

Southampton have a good record in the Championship over recent years, showing they can control games and create plenty of scoring opportunities. Their confidence will be high going into this match, and they'll be eager to keep the momentum going. Expect them to come out strong and look to assert their dominance early on.

Recent Championship Results (2023/24, including play-offs):

• (W) 1-0 vs Leeds United (26 May 2024 – Play-Off Final)

• (W) 3-1 vs West Brom (17 May 2024 – Play-Off Semi 2nd Leg)

• (D) 0-0 at West Brom (12 May 2024 – Play-Off Semi 1st Leg)

• (W) 2-1 vs Leicester City (04 May 2024)

• (L) 0-1 vs Stoke City (27 Apr 2024)

Wrexham have had their ups and downs recently, but they've shown they can be competitive against stronger teams. They'll need to be at their best to get a result against Southampton, but if they can stay organised and take their chances, they might just pull off a surprise. It'll be a tough ask, but Wrexham won't go down without a fight.

Last 5 Results (League One, 2024/25):

• (W) 2-0 away at Lincoln (03 May 2025)

• (W) 3-0 vs Charlton (26 Apr 2025)

• (W) 2-1 at Blackpool (21 Apr 2025)

• (D) 1-1 at home to Bristol Rovers (18 Apr 2025)

• (D) 0-0 vs Wigan Athletic (12 Apr 2025)

• Wrexham 0-3 Southampton (05 Sept 1979)

• Southampton 5-0 Wrexham (28 Aug 1979)

• Southampton 0-1 Wrexham (15 Feb 1974)

These two teams have clashed just three times in all competitions. Two of those games took place in a League Cup tie in 1979, when the team from England’s south coast recorded an 8-0 aggregate win. The only other competitive meeting came in 1974, when the Welsh side recorded a famous 1-0 win at the Dell in the FA Cup's last 16. The two teams have never faced each other in league action. 

• Gavin Bazunu (Minicus injury) - Out

• Ollie Rathbone (Ankle injury) - Doubtful

• Andy Cannon (Cruciate ligament tear) - Out

• Jay Rodriguez (Foot injury) - Doubtful

• Mo Faal (Hamstring injury) - Doubtful

• 4-2-3-1: Ramsdale; Sugawara, Stephens, Harwood-Bellis, Taylor; Downes, Fernandes; Edozie, Matsuki, Dibling; Armstrong

Southampton’s lineup suggests a possession-based approach with quick, incisive passing to break down Wrexham’s defense. Their midfield and attacking options, led by Matsuki and Dibling, will aim to dominate at St. Mary’s.

• 4-2-3-1: Okonkwo; Barnett, Cleworth, O'Connell, Revan; Dobson, Lee; McClean, Windass; Hardie; Smith

Wrexham’s setup focuses on defensive solidity and counter-attacks. They’ll aim to stay compact, absorb pressure, and exploit gaps with pacey forwards like Sam Smith. Injuries may force adjustments, impacting their effectiveness.

• Sam Smith (Wrexham) vs Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton): The Wrexham forward enjoyed a prolific campaign in the 2024/25 season. However, Harwood-Bellis will certainly test his attacking abilities. 

• The midfield battle: The centre of the pitch will be key to how this game is decided. The likes of Elliot Lee and George Dobson face a stern test against a Saints midfield that could contain the likes of Matheus Fernandes and Flynn Downes, who have both impressed in flashes during their Saints careers. 

• Taylor Dibling (Southampton) The young attacking midfielder is highly rated and is being linked with a move. However, if he appears for the home side, then he is a potential match-winner. 

• Sam Smith (Wrexham) The forward has scored goals in lower divisions, but this is his chance to prove that he can score goals in England’s second tier.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.