Burnley
Blackburn Rovers
Coventry City
Derby County
Leeds United
Luton Town
Middlesbrough
Millwall
Norwich City
Portsmouth
Sheffield Wednesday
Sheffield United
QPR
It’s been a mixed start to the season for Southampton so far.
After their embarrassing Premier League season, the Saints hit the reset button and made the exciting appointment of Will Still.
Plenty of new faces have come through the door at St Mary’s Stadium while some high-profile faces have departed, including Tyler Dibling to Everton and Mateus Fernandes to West Ham United.
Southampton have been playing a 3-4-2-1 formation in their opening Championship games, and EFL Analysis looks at what their best XI could look like.
Southampton’s best XI for the 2025/26 season
Goalkeeper – Gavin Bazanu
Gavin Bazanu has recovered well from his long-term injury to get his place back in the starting XI for the Saints. Given the issues in goal last season, and the departure of Aaron Ramsdale to Newcastle United, Bazanu almost feels like a new signing and suits Still’s ball-playing style.
Centre-back – Jack Stephens
Jack Stephens has been an ever-present in the Saints defence for years now and continues to sit in the back three of this side. Stephens is the experienced head in the back three and has been trusted with the armband once again.
Centre-back – Taylor Harwood-Bellis
Taylor Harwood-Bellis is the best defender in the side and walks into every Championship defence. Keeping the 23-year-old on the South Coast was a big coup and unless injured, expect the former Manchester City youngster to be in the XI.
Centre-back – Joshua Quashie
One of the many new arrivals this summer, Joshua Quashie has slotted into the heart of the backline for the opening games of the season. At 21, he is the youngest of the defenders and may be the one most likely to rotate out for another talent in Ronnie Edwards, but it’s a nice headache to have.
Wing-back – Ryan Fraser
Loved by Russell Martin, it seems that Ryan Fraser is just as important to Still’s style of play too. By no means the best player in the squad, however, due to the lack of wing-back options in the side, Fraser does the job.
Centre-midfield – Flynn Downes
Flynn Downes was the heartbeat of the Saints midfield when they were promoted last time and he has slotted back into the role again. Downes keeps the tempo going and his wealthy Championship experience is vital to help the newcomers around him flourish.
Centre-midfield – Shea Charles
Shea Charles impressed for Northern Ireland during the September international break and is doing the same for the Saints. He complements Downes’ technical ability by offering more of a physical presence, but can still get the ball down and play. It’s no surprise that Pep Guardiola rated him highly when he was at Man City.
Wing-back – Ryan Manning
Ryan Manning scored a beautiful free-kick on the opening day of the season and offers everything you need in a modern-day wing-back. The Republic of Ireland international motors up and down the pitch and unless injured, he is the starter ahead of Wellington.
Attacking midfielder – Leo Scienza
After a ding-dong battle on transfer deadline day, Leo Scienza chose Southampton over Paris FC and fans will be excited to see him. Scienza comes in at Jay Robinson’s expense, who has been brilliant in a breakout campaign, but will still have plenty to offer.
Attacking midfielder – Tom Fellows
A tough call as fellow new signing Finn Azaz, who joined from Middlesbrough, will be gunning for the starting spot, but Tom Fellows takes the spot this time. Fellows got more assists than anyone else at West Bromwich Albion last season and will offer a lot in terms of creativity.
Striker – Cameron Archer
This position is one of the toughest to call as either one of Adam Armstrong or Cameron Archer are capable of leading the line. Both have been given the nod in different games this season, but Archer feels more like a long-term option, whereas Armstrong can be reliable off the bench.