Southampton vs Wrexham: Odds, Lineups, Predictions, Preview Match Day 1

Explore Ladbrokes’ detailed preview for Southampton vs Wrexham in the Championship. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 12:30 BST match. With Southampton relegated from the Premier League and Wrexham celebrating a third consecutive promotion, this opener at St. Mary’s Stadium promises intrigue.

• Fixture: Southampton vs Wrexham

• Date: Saturday, 09 August 2025

• Kick-off: 12:30 BST

• Venue: St. Mary’s Stadium

Southampton, fresh from Premier League relegation, boast quality players and will look to dominate possession and create chances through incisive passing. Wrexham, back in the Championship for the first time since 1982 after a third consecutive promotion, bring momentum but face challenges with injuries. Southampton’s experience and home advantage should see them edge a competitive match, though Wrexham’s attacking threat could keep it close.

Match Prediction: Southampton 2-1 Wrexham

Southampton’s strong finish in the 2023/24 Championship play-offs, including a 1-0 win at Leeds in the final, shows their ability to control games and create scoring opportunities. Despite relegation from the Premier League in 2024/25, their squad depth and quality give them confidence to start the new Championship campaign strongly at St. Mary’s.

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’s remarkable rise through the leagues culminated in promotion from League One in 2024/25, making it three consecutive promotions. Their last Championship season came in 1981/82, ending in relegation. Their attacking flair makes them competitive, but injuries could hinder their ability to upset a strong Southampton side. They’ll rely on organisation and counter-attacks to stay in the game.

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)

Southampton and Wrexham have met only three times in competitive fixtures, with no prior league encounters. Southampton dominated a 1979 League Cup tie with an 8-0 aggregate win (5-0 and 3-0), while Wrexham secured a famous 1-0 FA Cup victory in 1974 at The Dell. This history favours Southampton, but Wrexham’s recent momentum adds unpredictability.

Previous Meetings:

• Wrexham 0-3 Southampton (05 Sep 1979, League Cup)

• Southampton 5-0 Wrexham (28 Aug 1979, League Cup)

• Southampton 0-1 Wrexham (15 Feb 1974, FA Cup)

• Gavin Bazunu (Meniscus injury): - Out

• Ollie Rathbone (Ankle injury): - Doubtful

• Andy Cannon (Cruciate ligament tear): - Out

• Jay Rodriguez (Foot injury): - Doubtful

• Mo Faal (Hamstring injury): - Doubtful

Lineup (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 defence. Their midfield and attacking options will aim to dominate at St. Mary’s.

Lineup (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 and exploit any gaps, though injuries may limit their effectiveness.

• Sam Smith (Wrexham) vs Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton): Smith’s prolific 2024/25 season will be tested by Harwood-Bellis’s defensive prowess.

• Matheus Fernandes (Southampton) vs Elliot Lee (Wrexham): This midfield battle, with Fernandes and Flynn Downes facing Lee and George Dobson, could dictate the game’s tempo.

• Tyler Dibling (Southampton): The young attacking midfielder’s potential to be a match-winner makes him a key figure.

• Sam Smith (Wrexham): His goal-scoring ability will be crucial for Wrexham to challenge Southampton in the Championship.

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