SAINTS begin their Premier League season with a trip to Newcastle United, who will be looking to re-qualify for European competition.
Eddie Howe's Magpies finished last campaign in seventh and were knocked out in the group stages of the Champions League.
Manager Russell Martin has tasked his side with giving the travelling fans an afternoon to remember on their return to the top flight.
The boss, club chiefs and the fans will know it is a tough task - we have detailed everything you need to know about Southampton's first opponents...
What should Saints expect from Newcastle United?
Andrew Musgrove, who covers Newcastle for Chronicle Live, said: "Newcastle United will feel they have ground to make up after missing out on European football.
"It was largely due to an injury-hit campaign and they will not want to, nor can they afford to, spend too long out of Europe's elite competition.
"Howe will be able to pick an XI from a group of players who have a good pre-season - losing only once in four games.
"The hope will be that the high-energy game of two seasons ago will return - and we have seen evidence of that in the pre-season games.
"If it does, Saints could find themselves in trouble if they try to play it out from the back. United will want to set the tone for this season, especially with at home.
"With players talking about Champions League qualification being the aim, Saints supporters should expect a Newcastle side that comes racing out of the traps.
"Watch out for Alexander Isak, who will aim for 30 goals this season after hitting 25 in all competitions. He's looked very sharp in pre-season."
Last five results
Newcastle United 1-0 Brest - friendly
Newcastle United 4-0 Girona - friendly
Yokohama FM 2-0 Newcastle United - friendly
Urawa Reds 1-4 Newcastle United - friendly
Hull City 2-0 Newcastle United - friendly
Team news
Newcastle are almost back to full fitness with only defender Sven Botman and striker Callum Wilson sidelined, after struggling with injuries last campaign.
Former Saints starlet Tino Livramento could start ahead of club captain Kieran Trippier after featuring more heavily throughout pre-season.
Howe said: “I’d say that all of those players who came back later are physically fit. They are ready to play, and they proved that in the pre-season games.
"Are they absolutely 100 per cent at their maximum level? Probably not. But I think they’re very close to it.”
Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali is still absent through suspension, although he is set to return for the Magpies later this month.
Who are the key men?
Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak need no introduction in England but it is the third prong of the attack that has starred during pre-season.
Jacob Murphy has scored five goals and registered three assists in four friendly matches this summer and looks sure to start on the right.
Brazilian midfielders Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes have caused plenty of teams problems before and will be crucial to Howe's plans on Saturday.
Predicted Newcastle team
(4-3-3): Pope; Livramento, Schar, Burn, Hall; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Gordon.
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