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Southampton's season will begin on Saturday, when they travel to take on Colchester United at JobServe Community Stadium in the first round of the EFL Cup.
After being expelled from the Championship playoff final for spying on opponents, Southampton will be desperate to start the campaign in a strong manner, whereas Colchester will aim to head into their League Two campaign with momentum behind them.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Colchester United vs Southampton key stats
- Colchester have failed to score in five of their last 10 games.
- Southampton have scored at least two goals in five of their past seven matches.
- Southampton have failed to score in the first half of three of their last five games.
- Colchester have been level at half time in five of their last six competitive fixtures.
Colchester United vs Southampton: The start of the new season
Colchester United vs Southampton — Tale of the Tape
| Colchester United | vs | Southampton |
|---|---|---|
| 12th (2025-26 League Two) | Position | 4th (2025-26 Championship) |
| 66 | Points | 80 |
| 62 | Goals For | 82 |
| 49 | Goals Against | 56 |
| 11 | Clean Sheets | 12 |
| 12th | Home / Away Rank | 4th |
Colchester stagnated last season, finishing two places lower in 12th in League Two than they did in 2024-25, while they also claimed one point fewer (66).
The hosts have endured a mixed summer so far given they have won two, drawn two and lost three of their seven friendlies so far, and they have in fact been beaten in three of their past four friendlies.
Boss Danny Cowley will be the first Colchester manager to oversee a game against Southampton since 2011, and a win would be just his side's second in seven clashes with Southampton.
Colchester centre-back Jack Tucker has been named captain of the club, taking over from Tom Flanagan, and he is likely to make an appearance in some capacity.
Southampton will play their first competitive game since their expulsion from the playoff final in May for spying on Middlesbrough, with the club denied the possibility of returning to the top flight at the first time of asking.
Boss Tonda Eckert will be under immense scrutiny throughout the season, from both fans and media, and a slow start to 2026-27 could put his relationship with Saints supporters beyond repair.
The visitors failed to advance past the third round of the EFL Cup last term, losing 2-1 to Liverpool at Anfield in September 2025, and they have only been eliminated from the first round once since 2008-09.
Southampton signed Canadian striker Cyle Larin this summer, though he has not yet played a game for his new club, and it remains to be seen if he is granted minutes on the weekend.
Colchester United vs Southampton form guide & betting tips
| COL | vs | SOU |
|---|---|---|
WLDLL |
Pre-season form | DWWWW |
| 9 | Goals For | 8 |
| 8 | Goals Against | 3 |
N/A |
EFL Cup | N/A |
Whispers predicts: Colchester United 0-2 Southampton
Given the gulf in terms of divisions, it comes as no surprise to see the bookmakers back a Southampton win at 1/3 (1.33).
The Saints have scored at least two goals in five of their past seven games, and that makes a prediction of Over 1.5 Goals for Southampton – priced at 2/5 (1.4) – sensible.
Given the hosts have often struggled to produce opportunities consistently in the final third, betting Under 0.5 Goals for Colchester at 4/6 (1.67) could be the way to go.
However, Colchester have been level at half time in five of their last six competitive fixtures, so an outside bet could be to predict a Draw at Half Time at 13/8 (2.63).
> Over 1.5 Goals for Southampton at 2/5 (1.4) | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 0.5 Goals for Colchester at 4/6 (1.67) | Likelihood: Possible
> Draw at Half Time at 13/8 (2.63) | Likelihood: Outsider