Southampton vs. Watford: Preview and predictions
By Ben Whitlock
Saints welcome Watford to St. Mary’s this Saturday for the FA Cup fourth round.
Javi Garcia takes charge of his first game in English football, after replacing Marco Silva last weekend. Garcia’s last job was in Russia, when he as the boss of Rubin Kazan.
Both sides got through the third round of the cup at the first time of asking, as Saints beat Fulham 1-0 at Craven Cottage, and Watford breezed past Bristol City 3-0.
The honours were even when the two sides met two weeks ago in the Premier League, after Doucouré’s last minute controversial equaliser.
The two teams will be looking to make a good cup run to make up for their poor league performances, which sees Saints sit in 18th place, and Watford in 10th respectively.
Saints’ new boy Guido Carrillo could make his first start for his new team, after completing his £19.1 million switch from Monaco.
Why Southampton will win
Saints have played well in their last few games, despite only picking up two points in the last two league games, when it arguably should have been at least four, maybe even six.
If Carrillo gets the nod to start, he will want to make an instant impact and prove his worth to the fans, This being said, he could be a new threat for Saints, which they may be able to use to their advantage.
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Why Watford will win
Watford have proved to be a tough team to beat all season long, and whatever side they put out will be looking to impress their new manager.
They have a lot of pace up front with both Richarlison and Andre Gray both able to cause the Saints back line a lot of problems down the wings and through the middle.
Predicted line-ups
Southampton:
Goalkeeper: Fraser Forster
Defenders: Cedric, Yoshida, Hoedt, Stephens
Midfielders: Hojbjerg, Romeu, Davis, Ward-Prowse, Redmond
Striker: Carrillo
Watford
Goalkeeper: Gomes
Defenders: Janmaat, Wagué, Kabasele, Zeegelaar
Midfielders: Doucouré, Watson, Carillo, Cleverley, Richarlison
Striker: Gray
Verdict
I think Saints will be able to nod pass Watford on this occasion, even though they have failed to beat them in the two times they’ve already faced them this season, with Carrillo netting if he is given his debut.
Southampton 2-1 Watford