Exclusive: Lee Hendrie drops Southampton v Wrexham AFC score prediction | OneFootball

Lee Hendrie gives his score prediction for big opening day clash between Southampton and Wrexham

Lee Hendrie has given his score prediction for the big opening day clash in the Championship between Southampton and Wrexham

With Southampton being a Premier League outfit as well as Wrexham being in League One merely three months ago, both sides come into this opening day clash with a lot of expectation for the forthcoming season.

The upcoming lunchtime kick-off to be played at St Mary's Stadium sees Southampton under new manager Will Still take charge of his first competitive game as the Saints' boss and will be hoping for a strong start to his time in the dugout.

The Former Reims boss will be determined for his side to give a statement of intent to promotion rivals, including the newly promoted visitors on the day, Wrexham.

As for Wrexham, Phil Parkinson's side make the trip down south after a busy pre-season schedule in Australia. After three consecutive promotions from the National League to the Championship have made them undoubtedly a team to watch this season.

Lee Hendrie's verdict on Southampton vs Wrexham

Speaking exclusively to FLW, Hendrie said: "Big game, Southampton vs Wrexham, some really tasty ones to start the season off. I think Southampton will be relatively strong this season."

Southampton squad will look rather different to the team Saints fans were used to seeing last season in the Premier League, having lost some key players in key areas, such as goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, seasoned right-back Kyle Walker-Peters, as well as tricky winger Kamaldeen Sulemana.

Despite having outgoings that will certainly fill a void in Still's side, the new manager has recruited well by signing the likes of 21-year-old Damion Downs from Bundesliga side F.C Koln for £7 million as well as TSG Hoffenheim defender Joshua Quarshie who are likely to be included for their clash with Wrexham after featuring in pre-season for the Saints.

Wrexham have been active in the transfer window also, with Parkinson's side seeing over 8 arrivals at the Racecourse Ground including some big names in the attacking third.

The signings of the Championship proven trio of Kieffer Moore, Ryan Hardie, and Josh Windass will not go unnoticed, as well as strengthening their defense with the likes of former Leicester City man Conor Coady.

The departure of Wrexham's main man over the course of their three consecutive promotions, Paul Mullin on loan to Wigan, may worry some fans.

However, with the step-up to tier two likely to be a challenge for the Welsh side, Parkinson has set out a clear foundation of the direction he wants the football club to move in.

Hendrie went on to say, "I think Wrexham will have it all to do. I don't think they'll go there and get a result. I'm going to say 2-1 to Southampton."