Southampton overcame German side SC Preußen Münster in their final game before the 2026/27 competitive season.
The Saints went behind early, before goals from Leo Scienza and Lewis Dobbin won them the match.
Five things can be taken away from the game, as Tonda Eckert’s team took their final step of match preparation well before they visit Colchester United in the Carabao Cup.
Saints are striker-less
Southampton used several centre forwards throughout pre-season, as Damion Downs, Nick Oyekunle and Ben Brereton Diaz all had significant run-outs.
None of the three are particularly accomplished Championship strikers, with Diaz playing extremely poorly against SC Preußen Münster, and the Saints will not want to head into their first match of the season without a decent central goalscorer.
With star striker Cyle Larin set to return without any preparation under his belt, Tonda Eckert is going to find it difficult to decide who starts in the Carabao Cup against Colchester United. The signing of a striker needs to be completed as a matter of urgency.
Welington and Wood could be starters
In Southampton’s 90-minute game against SC Preußen Münster, Nathan Wood and Welington started on the left side of the team’s usual defence.
The back four were largely solid, but Taylor Harwood-Bellis should have been stronger for the home side’s only goal.
With last season’s starters Jack Stephens and Ryan Manning both in their thirties now, perhaps the team in Germany hinted that Southampton are looking to prioritise their younger defenders next season.
Leo Scienza wears the famous shirt well
Southampton star Leo Scienza scored his first goal in the club’s famous No.7 jersey, worn by legends Matt Le Tissier and Rickie Lambert before him.
The Brazilian winger played well, and his goal was extremely well-taken. Scienza regained possession before unleashing a strike into the bottom corner past the Preußen Münster goalkeeper.
If the club can keep hold of their fan favourite, next season is sure to be fun.
Eckert to set team up similarly
Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert watched the match from above against SC Preußen Münster, admitting he wanted to prepare for a scenario that he is dealt a touchline ban for the coming season, as the club awaits his Spygate sanction.
The German head coach set his Saints team up in a similar 4-4-2 out-of-possession shape against the German third-tier team, similar to last season.
The setup was clearly a winning formula, and one worth keeping as they bid for promotion next season.
Pre-season was a success
Overall, pre-season for Southampton proved a success.
The Saints lost just one of their five games, kept a similar squad to last season while boosting it with the addition of Lewis Dobbin, and head into the new campaign with spirits high.
The only hurdle in their way of heading into the season with momentum is the FA choosing to ban their head coach, which remains a possibility despite the season’s close proximity.
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