Saints Marching
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Southampton looking to bounce back after loss and draw

By Christian Bird

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southamton looks on prior to the Premier League match between Southampton and Swansea City at St Mary's Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 12: Mauricio Pellegrino, Manager of Southamton looks on prior to the Premier League match between Southampton and Swansea City at St Mary's Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images) /
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After earning just a point in what manager Mauricio Pellegrino described as a ‘tough’ fixture against newly promoted Huddersfield Town, the Saints will be looking to bounce back against Watford, who were very busy in the transfer market.

The Hornets have not only recruited a new first-team goalkeeper, but also a brand new pairing of centre-backs. Watford are unbeaten in their first three ties this season, and so shall see Saints as a potential place to build upon their current form.

Saints meanwhile have an equal record to Marco Silva’s side, however, Pellegrino will be optimistic going into the match with brand new signing Wesley Hoedt who represented the Dutch on Thursday evening as well as Virgil van Dijk available to him.

It has been Southampton’s appalling home form that has tarnished their table climb during 2017, which means fans may be restless about until the team resurrects its performance.

Southampton currently have no injuries in their squad, with every player challenging for selection, while Watford are still without Daryl Janmaat among other names such as Roberto Pereyra, Mauro Zarate and Younes Kaboul.

Next: Southampton enjoy quiet deadline day

Last Season

It was a thrilling encounter last time these teams met as Southampton edged past Watford four goals to three, earning a place in Saints football folklore.

Hopefully during a 3:00 PM kick off we can expect the weather to remain dry, but the football promises to come down hard.

Preparation

There is a two week break between the game scheduled on the ninth day of the ninth month, with both Ryan Bertrand and Steven Davis away on international duty. Not only that but Maya Yoshida – who signed a new deal just last week – has also been way with his native Japan.

Pellegrino reflected upon his team’s performance against Huddersfield and insisted his team shall be better prepared next time. He said:

"“We have to think about what we can do to be better in the next game. We have to keep going. Huddersfield are now really high. They are in a good moment.”"

Still very new to the league as its style of play, the Saints boss shall feel somewhat relieved to have started the season without conceding defeat to any of its opponents. However, he will keen for the results to improve, with Southampton’s end to the calendar year featuring matches against potential Premier League champions.