Southampton vs Wrexham: Football previews & free football betting tips

The Championship opens with a compelling clash as Southampton, recently relegated and undergoing significant transition under new manager Will Still, host Wrexham, the newcomers into the second tier following three consecutive promotions. St Mary’s will be abuzz with anticipation on 9 August, as Saints aim to lay the foundation for a strong season, while Wrexham hope their momentum carries them through another historic campaign.

Southampton will be without Tyler Dibling, Joe Aribo, and Samuel Edozie for this opener, as all are not involved amid ongoing transfer speculation and fitness concerns. Gavin Bazunu returns to goal, and new arrivals Joshua Quarshie and Damion Downs could make their debuts. Flynn Downes, Will Smallbone, and Taylor Harwood‑Bellis remain sidelined.

Wrexham miss Jack Marriott, who is recovering abroad following an appendectomy, and Ollie Rathbone, himself injured. Instead, they may launch new signings onto the pitch: Conor Coady, Lewis O’Brien, Josh Windass, Liberato Cacace, Kieffer Moore and Danny Ward are available after a busy, investment-fuelled window.

Southampton have lost four of their past five competitive matches, scoring seven goals while conceding seventeen in that stretch—an average of 0.7 scored and 1.7 conceded. Wrexham’s form is far more encouraging; over their last ten, they’ve scored 17 and conceded just 7, averaging 1.7 for and 0.7 against.

This fixture marks their first competitive meeting. Southampton’s home form in recent times shows draws and sporadic wins, while Wrexham arrive unbeaten on the road during pre-season tours.

For Southampton, Paul Onuachu’s physical presence offers a focal point in attack and he may benefit from early-season defensive uncertainty. The creative engine in midfield is Flynn Downes, now fit and looking to impose control. Wrexham will lean on Conor Coady to marshal their defence with experience and composure, while Jay Rodriguez offers savvy and finishing ability up front after joining in January.

Saints—rebuilding under a new manager and buoyed by home advantage—are marginal favourites, but their shaky defence and Wrexham’s sharp, confident setup suggest an open contest. We tip a narrow 2‑1 home win for Southampton as the correct score.

Backing Both Teams To Score seems safe given the attacking intent and conceded goals for both sides. On top of that, Over 2.5 Goals provides solid value when considering Southampton’s defensive vulnerabilities and Wrexham’s goal return. The simple bet is a Southampton win.