Southampton vs. Watford: Preview and predictions

With the transfer window coming to an end and players on international duty for two weeks, the Saints are back in action at St Mary’s against Watford on Saturday afternoon.

Southampton had a relatively quiet transfer deadline day but the major boost was not letting go of want away defender Virgil van Dijk.

However, manager Mauricio Pellegrino announced yesterday that the Dutchman would have to regain match fitness for him to be considered for selection even though the 26-year-old has returned to first team training.

Van Dijk has been edging for a move away from Southampton since the close of last season and even handed in a transfer request, but the club’s stance didn’t change and made it clear he was not for sale.

Despite Van Dijk being unlikely to play on the weekend, there’s a good chance his fellow countryman Wesley Hoedt will make his debut after his move to the south coast from Italian club Lazio. Hoedt, who also plays at centre-back, started in both of The Netherlands’ World Cup qualifying matches against France and Bulgaria.

Watford were one of the busiest Premier League teams in the transfer window and their line-up will differ from that of the one against Brighton after Miguel Britos was sent off in the goalless draw against the Seagulls.

Why Southampton will win

The Saints haven’t set the league alight yet but by no means has this been a poor start with the win against West Ham and two draws against Swansea and Huddersfield.

This is another winnable match for Pellegrino’s side and despite some players not living up to their expectations like Fraser Forster and Dusan Tadic, I believe Manalo Gabbiadini could be the hero this weekend in a game that may see few chances for the home side.

More from Saints Marching

• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 2: Arrivals
• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
• It’s time to talk about Gavin Bazunu
• Rain clouds on the horizon? Southampton beat Plymouth Argyle
• A lament for Southampton legend James Ward-Prowse

The Italian striker got off the mark in the 3-2 win against West Ham and the 25-year old has shown great signs of promise despite not getting many chances from his teammates.

I’d expect Gabbiadini to be the difference against Watford in a match he will relish.

Why Watford will win

The visitors have a fresh squad with players that can win them games. The front three of Andre Carrillo, Andre Gray and Richarlison could cause some damage despite how solid Southampton’s defence is.

Watford also has plenty of balance in the middle of the park with Abdoulaye Doucoure and Nathaniel Chalobah’s energy and Tom Cleverley’s composure.

Just like Pellegrino, Silva should also be optimistic his side can get something from this game.

Predicted Line-Ups

Southampton:

Goalkeeper: Fraser Forster

Defenders: Cedric, Wesley Hoedt, Maya Yoshida, Ryan Bertrand

Midfielders: Oriol Romeu. Mario Lemina, Dusan Tadic, Steven Davis, Nathan Redmond

Strikers: Manalo Gabbiadini

Watford:

Goalkeeper: Gomes

Defenders: Daryl Janmaat, Sebastian Prodl, Younes Kaboul, Marvin Zeegelaar

Midfielders: Abdoulaye Doucoure, Tom Cleverley, Nathaniel Chalobah, Andre Carrillo, Richarlison

Strikers: Andre Gray

Verdict

Despite Watford’s good start to the season, I’m expecting Southampton to narrowly win this match. It won’t be easy but a great performance for Maurcio Pellegrino’s side will win over plenty of Saints fans after a few concerns so far this season.

Predicted score: Southampton 2-1 Watford