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Southampton vs. Watford: Hughes’ job on the line as Saints meet Hornets

By Ryan Borowski

WATFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton scores his sides second goal as Christian Kabasele of Watford attempts to block during the Premier League match between Watford and Southampton at Vicarage Road on January 13, 2018 in Watford, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
WATFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: James Ward-Prowse of Southampton scores his sides second goal as Christian Kabasele of Watford attempts to block during the Premier League match between Watford and Southampton at Vicarage Road on January 13, 2018 in Watford, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) /
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With Reed out, will Hughes be quick to follow if he does not get a result when Saints take on Watford this Saturday in St. Mary’s?

Following an embarrassing display against Manchester City, Southampton will look to respond in a big way if they are to turn their season around and this could be just the game to do it. Watford have been plagued with the injury bug and lost last week to previously winless, Newcastle.

Hughes, will be fighting for his job and could put out a more aggressive lineup Saturday to help ensure his future at the club. If not, the Saints will have the luxury of an international break to potentially find a replacement before league play resumes in late November.

With that said, Watford by no means are pushovers and could easily come into St. Mary’s and dominate a side low on confidence such as the Saints. The Hornets, currently sit sixth on the table scoring ten goals more and conceding four goals less than the home side. Their most notable results this year have been a 2-1 victory against spurs then more recently, back-to-back victories against Wolves and Huddersfield on an aggregate score of 5-0.

With both sides looking to get back on track after losing weeks the supporters of each club should be in for a competitive low-scoring match that both teams desperately try to take all three points in.

Must Read. Saints part ways with Reed. light

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 27: Richarlison de Andrade of Watford reacts after a confrontation with Cedric Soares of Southampton during The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Southampton and Watford at St Mary’s Stadium on January 27, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 27: Richarlison de Andrade of Watford reacts after a confrontation with Cedric Soares of Southampton during The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Southampton and Watford at St Mary’s Stadium on January 27, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Why Southampton Will Win

With Hughes’ back seemingly against the wall, he will have to come out swinging in order to preserve his job. The Englishman will likely stick with his 4-4-2 formation that has been featured in the majority of matches this season but the mindset of the team will likely be a different one.

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Sensing they can beat an injury-riddled Watford, look for the home side to press on defense and move quickly on offense trying to score fast and often. This game for the Red and White will come down to the play of the four in the midfield. Will Redmond, Hojbjerg, Lemina, and Elyounoussi possess the quality on Saturday that will produce a goal?

The last few weeks have been bleak for Southampton and their supporters but if they can put in a decent shift of work and net at least two goals, the Saints can pick up their second victory of the season and save the job of Mark Hughes.

Why Watford Will Win

The Hornets, possess most of their quality in the midfield and are led by the likes of Roberto Pereyra. The Argentinian already has five goals this season (one less than Southampton as a whole) and is a real leader from the middle of the pitch.

Watford are possess both pace and physicality which has given Southampton defenders problems in the past. Gerard Deulofeu and Issac Success will most likely be the duo that start up top and they will be licking their chops to a shot at a defense that let in six goals just a week ago.

As previously mentioned, Watford’s strength is in the midfield and part of that midfield is Abdoulaye Doucoure, who is a force to be reckoned with at the defensive midfield position. The man does it all. He tackles well, intercepts passes, and blocks shots all while collecting four assists on the season on the offensive end.

Add all these factors up and Watford could come away with a victory Saturday and a comfortable one at that.

Predicted Line-ups

Southampton

Goalkeeper: Alex McCarthy

Defenders: Ryan Bertrand, Jack Stephens, Jannik Vestergaard, Cedric Soares

Midfielders: Mohammed Elyounoussi, Mario Lemina, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Nathan Redmond

Forwards: Danny Ings, Manolo Gabbiadini

Watford

Goalkeeper: Ben Foster

Defenders: Jose Holebas, Craig Cathcart, Adrian Mariappa, Kiko Femenia

Midfielders: Etienne Capoue, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Roberto Pereyra, Will Hughes

Forwards: Issac Success, Gerard Deulofeu

Prediction

Southampton 1-1 Watford

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