ABSTRACT The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) will be the first low-frequency instrument with the capability to directly image the structures of the epoch of reionization (EoR). Indeed, deep imaging of the EoR over five targeted fields of 20 sq deg each has been selected as the highest priority science objective for SKA1. Aiming at preparing for this highly challenging observation, we perform an extensive pre-selection of the ‘quietest’ and ‘cleanest’ candidate fields in the southern sky to be suited for deep imaging of the EoR using existing catalogues and observations over a broad frequency range. The candidate fields should meet a number of strict criteria to avoid contaminations from foreground structures and sources. The candidate fields should also exhibit both the lowest average surface brightness and smallest variance to ensure uniformity and high-quality deep imaging over the fields. Our selection eventually yields a sample of 7 ‘ideal’ fields of 20 sq deg in the southern sky that could be targeted for deep imaging of the EoR. Finally, these selected fields are convolved with the synthesized beam of SKA1-low stations to ensure that the effect of sidelobes from the far-field bright sources is also weak.