The Under-18's discovered their plans for next season as the F.A Premier Academy League Group A fixtures were released for the 2009/10 campaign…

Under the guidance of Coach Stewart Henderson, Saints can look forward to testing themselves against some of the brightest prospects in the country as they face teams from the top end of the domestic game.

The first match of the season sees Southampton make a mouth-watering trip to Manchester United for the first of two inter group long distance fixtures. The game takes place on Saturday 22nd August in Manchester with an 11am kick off time.

Runaway national champions last season, Arsenal are in Saints' group once again, with Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Norwich, Ipswich, Fulham, West Ham, Charlton, and near neighbours Portsmouth battling it out alongside them.

As usual, there are several inter group clashes taking place throughout the season, with trips to Birmingham City, MK Dons and Cardiff City scheduled in whilst Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur and Bristol City will all visit Staplewood.

Last season Saints had a strong record at home in the league, whilst they also made it to the 4th round of the F.A Youth Cup.

If they can improve their away form then Henderson's side may achieve better than the 6th place finish from last term.

Academy fixtures 09/10 >>>