Watford vs Southampton preview
Southampton will be searching for their first win of the season when they travel to Vicarage Road for a league encounter with newly promoted Watford on Sunday.
The Saints are struggling to recapture the defensive solidity they built their season on last term. Manager Ronald Koeman admitted that his side is suffering from the changes in personnel in virtually all of the key defensive positions.
Five of the seven players who featured prominently in Southampton’s defence last season have either left the club or are not currently available. Goalkeeper Fraser Forster remains a long term injury absentee after rupturing his knee ligaments last season, while left-back Ryan Bertrand is still recovering from a knee surgery.
Right-back Nathaniel Clyne, centre-back Toby Alderweireld and midfield anchorman Morgan Schneiderlin all signed for bigger clubs this summer. Along with Victor Wanyama and Jose Fonte, they formed a block of seven players who protected Southampton’s goal last season.
The new recruits are still finding their feet and the Saints’ opponents have exploited their transitional phase by breaching Southampton’s defence five times in just two league outings.
The Saints will also have to deal with the effects of their Europa League exertions after they drew 1-1 with Danish side Midtjylland in the first-leg of their Europa League playoff on Thursday.
Watford, on the other hand, will be fresh and brimming with confidence after avoiding defeat in their two Premier League games so far.
They will also draw confidence from the fact that Southampton have struggled on the road recently, with no away win since February. Their main striker Graziano Pelle rarely scores away from home with only two of his 13 league goals coming away from St Mary’s.
Watford team news
Lloyd Doyley (neck) and Joel Ekstrand (ACL knee) remain long-term injury absentees.
Summer arrivals Giedrius Arlauskis and Miguel Britos are finally available following suspensions.
Southampton team news
Jordy Clasie is still struggling to shake off an ankle problem.
Gaston Ramirez (knock) and Florin Gardos (knee) are also expected to miss out through injury.
Watford vs Southampton prediction
Almen Abdi was impressive in his cameo in the Hornets’ 0-0 draw with West Brom so Quique Sanchez Flores may reward the midfielder with a start in the number 10 role. Watford could start in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Etienne Capoue and Valon Behrami as the sitting midfielders.
Troy Deeney should be the centre forward providing a target in the box for service from full-backs Jose Holebas and Nyom, while Jurado and Ikechi Anya work as wide attacking midfielders.
Koeman will have to assess his squad’s fitness levels after the Europa League fixture. Sadio Mane did not seem affected by the rumours surrounding his future as he produced another all-action performance. He could start as a wide attacking midfielder.
Oriol Romeu and Wanyama will probably be the central midfielders in a 4-2-3-1 formation with James Ward-Prowse as the central attacking midfielder behind Pelle.
This should be a tough encounter for Southampton. They will try to mix their attacks between going forward early with long balls to their pacy forwards and patiently working the ball through midfield.
Given that Watford have so far displayed their defensive organisation by making more interceptions than any other Premier League team, the Saints will have to dig deep to get anything.
Score prediction
Watford 1-1 Southampton.
