Watford vs. Southampton: Preview and predictions
By Chris Hughes
Southampton return to Premier League action this Saturday, with an away trip against Marco Silva’s Watford on the cards.
The Hornets were dominant the last time the two teams met, winning 2-0 in a match that could’ve easily been more embarrassing for the home side. This time the teams meet in London, with Southampton desperate to put points on the board.
Despite a dip in form since their last meeting with the Saints, Watford are still tenth with 25 points to their name. Southampton find themselves just one place above the relegation zone going into the game, with 20 points and just four wins so far this campaign.
Mauricio Pellegrino has come under increased scrutiny for his tactics in recent weeks – even more so than normal. Positive results for the teams around Southampton could see the Saints drop into the bottom three by the end of the gameweek.
Watford meanwhile face a tough task if they’re to finish as ‘the best of the rest’. Poor form over the festive period means they’re now nine points off Burnley in seventh and five behind Leicester in eighth.
The Saints go into the must-win game with as many as three defenders forced into late fitness tests. Both natural right-backs in Cedric Soares and Jeremy Pied are still doubtful – same goes for Dutch centre-back Wesley Hoedt.
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Why Watford will win
In short, the Hornets have had a better season than the Saints. Their form might not be what it was at the start of the campaign but they’re still five points better off than the Saints, and will have the psychological advantage after winning at St. Mary’s.
In Richarlison and Aboulaye Doucoure the home side have two game-changers who can effect proceedings in a second. Closing the two down from the off is imperative.
Whilst he may not of been hugely prolific since his switch from Burnley, Andre Gray will prove a constant threat and his aerial ability could be the Saints’ Achilles heel.
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Why Southampton will win
A rare thing to say indeed, but the Saints will go into the game off the back of a victory and therefore should have some confidence in their sails.
The Saints should go into the game tomorrow fresh after the win at Craven Cottage too after more time to rest and recover than normal. Whilst they could be without several first-team defenders, a return for any of their important players could be another way to spur them on to a positive result.
Team predictions
Watford
Goalkeeper: Gomes
Defence: Daryl Janmaat, Christian Kabasele, Molla Wague, Marvin Zegelaar
Midfield: Roberto Pereyra, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Richarlison, Etienne Capoue, Andre Carillo
Forward: Andre Gray
Southampton
Goalkeeper: Alex McCarthy
Defence: Sam McQueen, Wesley Hoedt, Maya Yoshida, Jack Stephens,
Midfield: Mario Lemina, Steven Davis, Oriol Romeu, James Ward-Prowse, Dusan Tadic
Forward: Shane Long
Prediction
As boring a prediction as it is, I can really see this being a 0-0 affair. Saints will squander two or three golden chances and Watford will be fairly well-shut out by a returning Hoedt at the back.
Watford 0-0 Southampton