The Berkshire side lost theier Championship status at the end of last season, a six point deduction leaving them five points adrift of 21st placed Cardiff, and Saturday’s game will see them under the guidance of Ruben Selles for the first time, the Spaniard taking over officially on Friday. He was in charge of Southampton during the latter part of last season but unable to prevent them being relegated from the Premier League.

In the squad on Saturday for the Royals is likely to be goalkeeper Dean Bouzanis, an important member of the Sutton line-up in our 2020-21 National League championship season and our successful first EFL season including playing a major part in our run to the EFL Trophy final. Former England striker Andy Carroll is also a member of the squad for the coming season.

Sutton’s pre-season campaign began with a 3-2 win at Havant & Waterlooville on Tuesday, with two goals from triallists and one from new signing Josh Coley, and U’s will hope for another positive step on Saturday in the warm-up to the new League Two season.

Supporters should note that there are no trains through West Sutton on Saturday due to engineering works. Southern services to Sutton station are operating – the station is about a 15-20 minute walk from the ground, with buses 80 and 413 running past the ground from the station. Both those services also run from Morden Underground station (Northern Line). A reminder that car parking at the ground is reserved for permit holders only.

Ground admission on Saturday is £12 for adults, £7 for concessions (age 60+; full time students) and £3 for juniors age 12-18. Tickets for Under 12s are free if bought in conjunction with an adult or concession ticket. All prices rise £4 for a seat. Tickets can be bought here. They will also be available from the ticket kiosk on the day with no rise in price.

Season tickets are valid for the game and should be shown at the turnstile for admission, and anyone who hasn’t yet bought one of our excellent value season tickets can do so online here, or at the downstairs club office before the game which will then enable them to use the season ticket for the game.

The fan zone will not be open on Saturday, but the club bars are open before the game and supporters are welcome for a pre-match drink. However note that the MBA Lounge will not be open after the game due to a private function, and for the same reason the Players’ Bar will close at 6pm, however the 1898 Lounge will remain open to all after 6pm.