Watford will take on a bruised Saints outfit this weekend at Vicarage Road ahead of their second home encounter of the season.
The Golden Boys will be looking to build on what has been a steady but exciting start to their campaign.
Two draws from two games against a good Everton side and a difficult West Brom team has given a lot of hope to Hornets fans heading into this one.
It`s not unreasonable to suggest that a more attacking Southampton side may afford more space to Watford who could enjoy a few more chances in comparison to last time out against the Baggies.
Watford fans may be encouraged by the fact that the Saints could potentially be more fatigued and less prepared for the game on Sunday, with the south-coast outfit having played Danish side Midtjylland in the Europa League on Thursday night.
Southampton will be reeling on the back of their 0-3 thumping at the hands of Everton, a side against which the Hornets earned an extremely respectable 2-2 draw on the first day of the season.
Southampton, under the guidance of Dutchman Ronald Koeman, have gained just one point in their league campaign thus far, also grabbing a mediocre draw at Newcastle.
They lie uncomfortably in 17th place heading into this game, although no one can take anything from that quite yet.
Watford Team News:
It`s unlikely there will be too many changes to the side that started against West Bromwich Albion last week.
Flores will have more options at his disposable this weekend.
Miguel Britos and Giedrius Arlauskis return from their suspensions, and new loan signings Alessandro Diamanti and Nathan Ake are both available.
However, it is unlikely that any of them will start on Sunday.
Britos has hardly played any matches since his head-but incidence for Napoli.
Arlauskis will be in the match day squad but Gomes should retain his place.
Diamanti meanwhile was only officially signed this week but has trained for “two and a half weeks” and so “this is good,” according to Flores in his pre match press conference. He could well be in the squad.
Just the one week of training at London Colney may mean it is still too early for Nathan Ake to start.
There are no new injury concerns in the Watford squad heading into their clash against the Saints.
Player to watch: Troy Deeney
Let`s be honest, it`s only a matter of time before the big man notches one.
My fantasy football team is praying for a first goal of the season for the big number nine, and I`m hoping it shall come against an arguably weaker Southampton defence now Toby Alderweireld has moved to Tottenham.
Southampton Team News:
Southampton attacking midfielder Sadio Mane is in the middle of a transfer saga with a move to Manchester United potentially on the cards.
He did start in their Europa League game on Thursday though.
Like Watford, Southampton have no new major injury concerns to crucial players.
Changes may be expected from the side that started and got hammered by Everton.
Player to watch: Jose Fonte
I`ve gone for the Saints Portuguese captain because he`s their main player.
If he plays well and is a rock at the back, Watford will struggle to score and when looking at Pelle and Long etc. there is enough of an attacking threat in this side to grab a goal at the other end.
Jose Fonte up against Troy Deeney will be the key head-to-head battle in this game. I`m looking forward to it.
Quotes from the managers:
Quique Sanchez Flores to Hornets Player:
“We are playing very competitive against good teams” and it is “always good” to be unbeaten.
“Southampton have a good system with good players, are a tough, experienced team who have improved a lot in recent years.”
Southampton boss Ronald Koeman speaking in a pre-match press conference:
‘It`s important to get a good result this Sunday. Sometimes you don`t want to put too much pressure on winning, but the best is to learn about mistakes.’
“Saturday we will have the last session to prepare for the game on Sunday, but we know what we like to do and we know how we like to play. That`s the most important.”
Ref Watch:
The referee for the clash between the Hornets and the Saints on Sunday is Andre Marriner. Read our ‘Man In The Middle’ feature HERE to find out all about the man from the West Midlands.
