Southampton to face Lincoln City in first league meeting for 65 years | OneFootball

Southampton’s 2026/27 Championship opponents are confirmed, with Lincoln City on the slate for a first league meeting in 65 years.

According to Sainstmarching.com, the Saints were the last side to miss the play-off final after expulsion following an admission of spying on three Championship sides. Their 23 opponents were set once League One concluded, and the club’s next steps remain unclear.

Southampton start with a four-point deduction, so none of the promoted trio will be bottom after matchweek one. Questions persist over Tonda Eckert’s future, yet the Saints may still fancy their chances against the newcomers, though the division is rarely forgiving.

Under Michael Skubala, Lincoln won League One despite one of the lowest wage bills. They averaged the least possession yet scored the most and conceded the fewest. Bristol City recently triggered Skubala’s contract, but the 43-year-old is set to stay and sign new terms.

Cardiff City, led by Brian Barry-Murphy, looked on course for an immediate return before a poor run checked momentum. They finished 14 points clear of third, comfortably promoted. Southampton met them twice in 2023/24, with Stuart Armstrong’s final outing coming in the late-season return fixture.

Bolton Wanderers finished fifth, then demolished Stockport County in the Wembley play-off final. Steve Schumacher, who took Plymouth up in 2022/23 before keeping them up and moving to Stoke City, is in charge. The clubs have not met in the league for 21 years and will do so next season.

Source: Sainstmarching.com