Southampton Gear Up for Premier League Return with Tests Against European Heavyweights

Southampton prepare for their Premier League return with a series of pre-season friendlies against European heavyweights Lazio and Getafe.

Southampton Prepare for Premier League Return with Tests Against European Heavyweights

As the Premier League season draws near, Southampton are gearing up for their return to the top tier with a series of pre-season friendlies against some of Europe’s biggest names.

Southampton are preparing for their Premier League return

According to reports, Russell Martin’s side will face off against two-time Serie A champions Lazio and LaLiga outfit Getafe in their final preparations for the domestic kickoff. These added fixtures will round out their schedule, which includes a tour to Spain and matches against local neighbors Eastleigh and Oxford United.

“The Premier League is a significant step up, and we need to be prepared. These games will help us gauge our progress and identify areas for improvement,” said Martin in a recent interview.

The 38-year-old manager has had a busy summer, assembling a varied pre-season schedule designed to test his team’s mettle against a range of opponents. The Saints’ journey back to the Premier League has been nothing short of remarkable, given their poor form in the early part of last season, which saw them relegated to the Championship.

Russell Martin is preparing for his first season in the Premier League

However, with the likes of Adam Armstrong leading the charge, Southampton proved their doubters wrong by securing promotion back to the top tier. Now, as they prepare to take on the best of the Premier League, Martin’s side will be looking to make a statement in their opening fixtures.

The Saints’ pre-season schedule is shaping up to be an exciting one, with the added fixtures against Lazio and Getafe set to provide a stern test of their credentials.

Here is the full Southampton pre-season schedule:

July 19: Eastleigh (Silverlake Stadium, 2:00 p.m. ET)
July 24: Bordeaux (TBC, Spain, 5:00 a.m. ET)
July 27: Montpellier (TBC, Spain, 5:00 a.m. ET)
July 31: Oxford United (Kassam Stadium, 2:30 p.m. ET)
August 3: Millwall (TBC, England, 8:00 a.m. ET)
August 7: Lazio (St Mary’s Stadium, 2:30 p.m. ET)
August 10: Getafe (St Mary’s Stadium, 9:00 a.m. ET)

Lazio are set to face Southampton in a pre-season friendly

With just a few weeks to go until the start of the Premier League season, Southampton are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting campaign. Will they be able to make a splash against the likes of Lazio and Getafe?

Only time will tell.