Key talking points ahead of Southampton's first pre-season friendly

The game will be a chance for Russell Martin's squad to build their fitness and test their levels against local National League opposition.

The game at the Silverlake Stadium (7pm kick-off) is a near sell-out and is expected to be a brilliant day out for supporters, many of whom cheer on both clubs.

Here are the key talking points as Southampton's pre-season steps up a notch...

Adam Lallana's return for Saints

The friendly against the Spitfires will mark Adam Lallana's return to playing for Southampton.

The 36 year old last featured for Saints a decade ago but has returned to the club this season, signing a one-year deal. 

Lallana's final game before making the move to Liverpool was a 1-1 draw with Manchester United in May 2014.

He will have to wait a little longer for his first competitive game since rejoining. 

The Premier League campaign is set to get underway next month with a trip to Newcastle United.

Lallana has 291 Premier League appearances under his belt, 68 of those coming during his first stint at Saints.

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New signings in action for the first time

Lallana is not the only newcomer supporters will be eager to see in action against the Spitfires on Friday evening.

This pre-season friendly will also be the first chance for us to see those who have signed this summer playing in red and white.

So far, Saints have signed four more new players, while Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes have made their loan moves permanent.

Defenders Yukinari Sugawara, Charlie Taylor, Ronnie Edwards and Nathan Wood could all take to the field at the Silverlake Stadium.

Yukinari Sugawara has joined Saints from AZ Alkmaar (Image: Southampton FC)

First game for the new kit

After much anticipation, supporters were rewarded for their patience on Tuesday evening when Saints unveiled their new kits for the 2024/25 season.

The home kit sees the club return to the traditional red and white stripes, while the away is a bright yellow number, which pays homage to the club's FA Cup-winning shirt.

Tomorrow evening's game will be the first time many supporters will get to see the new kit in person after Tuesday's launch event.

Southampton under-21s wore the club's new training kit when they faced AFC Totton in a pre-season friendly at the Snows Stadium last Saturday.

Some of those same players, namely goalscorer Dom Ballard and young left-back Jayden Meghoma, could be handed a senior chance once again.

However, Simon Rusk's side are also due to play on Friday, facing Swindon Town in a behind-closed-doors game at the Staplewood.

Southampton's friendly vs Eastleigh will be the first outing for their new kit (Image: Southampton FC / Matt Watson / Izzy Field)

READ MORE: How Saints fans have reacted to 2024/25 home and away kits

Kelvin Davis up against his former club

For Kelvin Davis, tomorrow's game will be uncharted territory.

For the first time in his young managerial career, the Saints legend will be facing off against his former side.

Even during his playing career, Davis never faced Southampton. He has played for clubs who have come up against Saints, but never took to the field in those games.

The retired goalkeeper is hopeful that this friendly can help strengthen the relationship between the two neighbouring clubs.

Davis, 47, signed a three-year contract at Eastleigh after a successful spell as their interim boss last season.

Kelvin Davis has taken over as manager at National League Eastleigh (Image: Graham Scambler)

Early indication on the goalkeeper situation

At present, Saints have three senior goalkeepers, Alex McCarthy, Joe Lumley and Mateusz Lis, training at Staplewood.

Despite their depth, Saints continue to be linked with signing a new goalkeeper as regular first-choice Gavin Bazunu continues his lengthy injury recovery.

Veteran keeper McCarthy ended last season as number-one and signed a new two-year deal days before his contract was due to expire.

To many, his new contract suggested he would continue in that role, at least until Bazunu returns from his Achilles injury.

But with goalkeeper a reported focus point in the transfer window, and Lis' future on the south coast uncertain, tomorrow's game could provide an early insight.

Alex McCarthy played an important role as Saints won the playoffs last season (Image: Habibur Rahman)