Southampton start their 2026/27 season with a Carabao Cup first-round tie against Colchester United at 5:30pm BST. Manager Tonda Eckert has named a strong lineup for the League Two clash, with the Saints hoping for a smooth passage into the next round. Next fixture: vs Gillingham (away, 2027-02-27) (6th in the table).
What’s at stake?
This match marks the beginning of Southampton’s domestic campaign after a season of highs and lows. A win would set the tone for the new era under Eckert, while Colchester will look to pull off an upset against Premier League opposition.
Team news
Southampton have confirmed their starting XI, with key players included despite the early-season fixture. The home kit, featuring Garmin as sleeve sponsor, makes its competitive debut tonight. Colchester, meanwhile, will rely on their League Two experience to challenge the higher-ranked side.
What’s next?
After this Carabao Cup opener, Southampton will shift focus to their league campaign. Colchester, on the other hand, will prepare for their next League Two fixture, knowing a strong performance tonight could boost morale.
