The 2025/26 EFL Championship season kicks off as Southampton host Wrexham AFC at St. Mary’s Stadium on Saturday, 9 August 2025, 12:30 BST. Our expert analysis expects an entertaining clash featuring goals at both ends, and we back Both Teams To Score (BTTS: Yes) at appealing odds.
Head-to-Head & Goals Trends
Historical data shows balanced outcomes and a strong likelihood of both sides finding the net.
2024/25 Season Review
Southampton (Premier League Relegated – 20th, 20 pts):
- Conceded 65 goals (2.03 gpg) and scored 32 g (1.00 gpg) in 38 games.
- Defensive vulnerabilities but potent home attacking potential.
Wrexham AFC (League One Promoted – 3rd, 78 pts):
- Scored 70 goals (1.84 gpg) and conceded 55 (1.45 gpg) in 46 matches.
- Known for resilient away performances and prolific forwards.
Recent Form & Pre-Season
- Southampton:
- Pre-season: Drew 1–1 vs Mainz, 2–2 vs Lille.
- Showed attacking flair but defensive lapses highlight BTTS value.
- Wrexham AFC:
- Pre-season: Won 3–2 vs Luton, lost 1–0 vs Norwich.
- Maintained goal threat on the road, BTTS recorded in 4 of 6 friendlies.
Key Players to Watch
- Southampton:
- Che Adams (CF) – 15 league goals in 2024/25.
- James Ward-Prowse (CM) – set-piece specialist, assists threat.
- Armel Bella-Kotchap (CB) – goal conceded risk but aerial threat.
- Wrexham AFC:
- Paul Mullin (CF) – 30 League One goals, BTTS catalyst.
- Harry Vaughan (AM) – creative spark, pens 10 assists.
- Ryan Barnett (FW) – wide threat, scored 12 times.
Why BTTS: Yes?
- Attacking identities: Both sides averaged over 1.5 goals per match in pre-season.
- Defensive concerns: Southampton conceded 65 in PL 2024/25; Wrexham conceded 55 in League One.
- Home/Away imbalance: Wrexham score in 81% of away fixtures last season; Southampton conceded in 76% of home PL games.
- Historical BTTS: 50% of H2H games saw both teams score.
- Fixture context: Opener unpredictability and early-season rust break easily with goalmouth action.
Betting Market & Odds
| Market | Odds Range | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
| BTTS: Yes | 1.75–1.80 | 55.6%–57.1% |
| BTTS: No | 2.00–2.10 | 47.6%–50.0% |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 2.05–2.15 | 46.5%–48.8% |
| Southampton Win | 1.90–1.95 | 51.3%–52.6% |
BTTS: Yes offers excellent value given both teams’ offensive output and defensive frailties.
Prediction Summary
- Match: Southampton vs Wrexham AFC
- Competition: EFL Championship Round 1
- Prediction: Both Teams To Score – Yes
- Best Odds: 1.75
Expect an open, entertaining encounter at St. Mary’s, with goals from both sides as Southampton seek an immediate Championship response and Wrexham aim to bring their scoring momentum to the second tier.
