Reading could be outnumbered at their upcoming home match against Southampton as the first of two pre-season friendlies at the SCL Stadium approaches.

The Saints, back in the Championship after a decade in the Premier League, are still bedding in under new boss Russell Martin and will prove a stern test for the League One Royals.

Yet to score against AFC Wimbledon and Sutton United, the tie has not caught the imagination of the town as a disappointing turn-out is expected.

Reading Chronicle: Swansea City boss Russell Martin is set to become the new Southampton manager

So much so that only one stand will be open to home supporters- despite advertising two being open to supporters when tickets were put on sale.

The visitors however have sold out their full and final allocation of 2,166 having requested additional tickets.

This is to be the Saints' first visit to Berkshire for a decade, with Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana all-but condemning Reading to Premier League relegation in a 2-0 defeat in April 2013.

Southampton won promotion alongside the Royals in 2011/12, coming second behind Brian McDermott's champions.

Evidently a summer of off-field issues has impacted the supporters' apetite for football, with unrest bubbling against the owner.

Things have felt more positive in recent weeks, however, with manager Ruben Selles officially announced and the arrival of Harvey Knibbs and Sam Smith.

Tickets remain on sale up to and including the day of the game.

Swansea City visit Berkshire the week after (July 29) before the League One curtain-raiser at home to Peterborough United the following week.