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Pre-season friendly preview: Southampton vs Dijon FCO

By Marc Walker

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: The Southampton crest is seen ahead of the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Manchester United at St Mary's Stadium on September 20, 2015 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: The Southampton crest is seen ahead of the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Manchester United at St Mary's Stadium on September 20, 2015 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) /
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Southampton face French Ligue 1 club Dijon FCO in their fourth pre-season friendly on Saturday, with kick-off at 2pm.

Mark Hughes and his Southampton side will be looking for progress ahead of the new season but also a reaction following a 3-0 defeat to Derby County last weekend.

With new signings bedding in and players adjusting to new systems, preparation for 2018/19 has been challenging. However, in this clash and in games against Celta Vigo and Borussia Mochengladbach, things will have to start coming together.

Dijon played just their third season in France’s top-flight in 2017/18 and enjoyed successful campaign; finishing 11th in the table and closer to European qualification than to the relegation zone.

A notable player within their squad is former French international Yoann Gourcuff, who joined the club on a one-year deal after being released by Rennes this summer.

Next. Saints linked with goalkeeper Keiran Westwood. dark

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 17: Yoann Gourcuff of France battles with Jordan Henderson of England during the international friendly match between England and France at Wembley Stadium on November 17, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 17: Yoann Gourcuff of France battles with Jordan Henderson of England during the international friendly match between England and France at Wembley Stadium on November 17, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

More from Saints Marching

Southampton squad

Alex McCarthy, Angus Gunn, Fraser Forster, Harry Lewis, Wesley Hoedt, Jan Bednarek, Jannik Vestergaard, Ryan Bertrand, Matt Targett, Sam McQueen, Jack Stephens, Harrison Reed, Oriol Romeu, Mario Lemina, Stuart Armstrong, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, James Ward-Prowse, Steven Davis, Mohamed Elyounoussi, Josh Sims, Nathan Redmond, Shane Long, Manolo Gabbiadini, Charlie Austin, Sam Gallagher

Dijon squad

Runar Alex Runarsson, Mickael Alphonse, Arnold Bouka Moutou, Nayef Aguerd, Oussama Haddadi, Wesley Lautoa, Frederic Sammaritano, Mehdi Abeid, Wesley Said, Naim Sliti, Julio Tavares, Enzo Loiodice, Jordan Marie, Florent Balmont, Bobby Allain, Cedric Yambere, Valentin Rosier, Romain Amalifitano, Kwon Chang-hoon, Jules Keita, Senou Coulibaly, Fouad Chafik, Benjamin Jeannot, Levi Ntumba, Yoann Gourcuff

Main talking points

Saints will hope to give more game-time to their new signings. Stuart Armstrong has been heavily involved in matches so far, but Mohamed Elyounoussi and Jannik Vestergaard played just 45 minutes against Derby and could step up their time on the pitch in this one.

Angus Gunn had also travelled to France with the squad and is one of four keepers along with Alex McCarthy, Fraser Forster and Harry Lewis. With Gunn expected to be second-choice next season, he could also see some time between the sticks.

With both teams starting their domestic seasons in two weekends time, a competitive match could be produced as players fight for places in their respective squads.

Saints begin their Premier League campaign on 12th August with a home game versus Burnley, whilst Dijon begin their Ligue 1 season with a trip to Montpellier a day earlier.

The game will mark the end of Saints’ week in France as they return to England ahead of the two home friendlies against Celta Vigo and Borussia Mochengladbach next Wednesday and Saturday respectively.