Key talking points ahead of Southampton friendly against Oxford United

Russell Martin's charges have shown plenty of positive signs in pre-season so far. They have scored 13 goals in three games without tasting defeat.

The boss will be hoping for further improvements at the Kassam Stadium as the 2024/25 Premier League campaign draws nearer.

Here are the key talking points ahead of Southampton's next pre-season friendly...

Saints back in front of supporters

Southampton's pre-season training camp in Girona, Spain saw them continue preparations away from supporters.

Instead, their behind-closed-doors friendlies were set to the backing track of Russell Martin barking instructions from the sidelines.

While those games offered a unique insight into Martin's touchline demeanour, football without supporters can only take you so far.

Martin has expressed how important a role fans will play for Saints this season and Wednesday's friendly is a chance to get back out in front of the travelling supporters once again.

Southampton have already sold out their away allocation of 3,204 for their opening game of the Premier League campaign at Newcastle United.

Southampton will be back in front of supporters on Wednesday

Centre-backs continuing to develop relationships

Saturday's win against Montpellier marked the return of Jan Bednarek. The Polish international had been given an extended break after representing his country at Euro 2024.

Bednarek impressed in his first game back, playing alongside summer signing Ronnie Edwards. The duo played 45 minutes before being replaced by Nathan Wood and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Martin has exclusively used Wood and Harwood-Bellis alongside each other in the first three friendlies.

He could do the same with Bednarek and Edwards against Oxford United, or elect to shake things up.

Harwood-Bellis and Bednarek hardly need opportunities to develop a relationship, but newcomers Wood and Edwards could benefit from playing alongside their new teammates.

Nathan Wood joined Southampton from Swansea City this summer (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)

Could players not involved in Girona play some minutes at Oxford?

A number of players travelled to Spain for Southampton's warm-weather training camp last week but did not see any on-field action.

Kyle Walker-Peters was one of those. Martin has explained that Saints will not risk his fitness amid uncertainty around his future.

Captain Jack Stephens also trained out in Spain, but is yet to get any minutes in pre-season, while Adam Lallana has also not been involved since withdrawing at Eastleigh as a precaution.

Paul Onuachu is only a week into pre-season so a game may come too early for the Nigerian, not to mention his future lies elsewhere.

Adam Armstrong could also return to the side after missing Southampton's friendly against Ligue 1 Montpellier through illness on Saturday.

Armel Bella-Kotchap, Ross Stewart and Juan Larios are others who have had different pre-season plans so far, however, there has been no indication they will be ready for Wednesday.

Adam Armstrong missed Southampton's last friendly through illness (Image: Stuart Martin)