Match Preview: Saints vs Levante

THE MATCH

Saints vs Levante U.D.
Pre-season friendly
St Mary’s Stadium
Wednesday 4th August (7pm BST)

SETTING THE SCENE

Saints return to St Mary’s looking to continue the fine form on display in Wales, having put seven goals past Championship rivals Cardiff and Swansea last week.

Nathan Tella, Nathan Redmond and Stuart Armstrong were on target as Ralph Hasenhüttl’s side bounced back from conceding an early own goal to win 3-1 at the Liberty Stadium following the 4-0 success at Cardiff.

The big kick-off in the Premier League is now within touching distance, and the boss wants to see his players “find the next gear” even after two convincing victories.

Levante, who finished 14th in La Liga last season, also begin their league season on August 14th, so both teams ought to be at a similar level in terms of physical preparation.

The Frogs, as they are known in Spain, suffered their first defeat of pre-season last time out against neighbours Valencia, going down 1-0.

Before that, Paco López’s team had successfully seen off French top-flight side Rennes (3-1) and Greek outfit Atromitos (2-1), before a goalless draw with Europa League winners Villarreal.

2020/21 TOP PERFORMERS

Saints

Top scorers: Danny Ings (12), Ché Adams (9), James Ward-Prowse (9)
Top assists: James Ward-Prowse (7), Stuart Armstrong (6), Ché Adams (5)

Levante

Top scorers: José Luis Morales (13), Roger Marti (12), Gonzalo Melero (7)
Top assists: Jorge de Frutos (9), Roger Marti (4), Carlos Clerc (3)

SUMMER SIGNINGS

Both clubs have added new faces to their ranks ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

Saints have acquired a pair of promising full-backs; 23-year-old Romain Perraud, an ever-present in pre-season since his arrival from Stade Brest, and teenager Tino Livramento, who signed a five-year deal on Monday after being named Chelsea’s Academy Player of the Year last season.

Returning favourite Theo Walcott also put pen to paper on a permanent move after spending last season on loan at St Mary's.

Levante’s marquee arrival is veteran striker Roberto Soldado, who arrived on a free transfer from Granada. The 36-year-old spent two seasons in England with Tottenham in his late 20s, but it proved an unsuccessful spell.

Elsewhere, López has also secured the signature of left-back Enric Franquesa from another of Soldado’s former clubs, Villarreal.

TICKET DETAILS

Tickets are on general sale for Wednesday's match, with advance prices available to view here.

All matchday purchases will cost £15 for adults, over-65s and 18-25-year-olds. Under-18s will be charged £10. All supporters can buy online today.

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