Southampton’s pre-season has come to an end, and the countdown to the 2026/27 campaign can now truly begin.
Tonda Eckert’s Saints still await the verdict on whether their manager can lead them into the first game against Colchester United, but for now business must go on as usual.
Southampton’s friendly preparation for the Championship season ahead ended with them beating German side SC Preußen Münster 2-1 despite going 1-0 down in the first half. Goals from Leo Scienza and Lewis Dobbin secured the victory; both are players who may be crucial in the big moments next campaign.
New signing Lewis Dobbin could provide Saints’ 33-year-old head coach Tonda Eckert with his biggest selection headache yet after starring from day one in pre-season.
Lewis Dobbin’s impact
It was through a Lewis Dobbin goal that Southampton took a late lead in their final game of pre-season, with the 23-year-old latching onto a well-placed pass and slotting the ball into the far corner with help from the inner post.
The Saints refused to let that 2-1 scoreline slip following the 87th-minute finish, and it was a credit to the performance of their new £9 million signing from Aston Villa.
The star of pre-season has been the new man Lewis Dobbin, with three goals and one assist in five matches.
Dobbin has been mainly used in the usual position of Finn Azaz so far for Southampton - just behind the striker. From Damion Downs to Ben Brereton Diaz and Nick Oyekunle, the Englishman has thrived whoever he’s been behind.
It sets things up nicely for Dobbin to play with Southampton starter Cyle Larin when the Canadian returns from an extended break. Dobbin’s pace running through defences paired with Larin’s physical nature could terrorise the Championship.
The question for Saints head coach Tonda Eckert now is whether Lewis Dobbin can already displace star player Finn Azaz.
A selection headache
One of the first names on the team sheet, Finn Azaz was excellent for Southampton in the 2025/26 campaign.
The Irishman delivered with 11 goals and 8 assists in the Championship, even after a tricky start under the management of Will Still.
Azaz missed Southampton’s pre-season camp in Germany with injury, staying in England for some needed recovery. While he’s been sidelined, the player brought in to challenge him, Dobbin, has been flying.
The Saints’ first game of the season will be an away trip to Colchester United, where they will fight for a place in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Azaz will be unlikely to play 90 minutes in that one after missing a chunk of pre-season, and Lewis Dobbin could get his first competitive start. A week later, the Saints visit Watford in their first league match.
Dobbin’s electric form is already turning heads and giving Saints manager Tonda Eckert a difficult decision to make heading into the new campaign.
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