Southampton vs Watford: Preview & Prediction

The opening weekend sees a clash between two of the Premier League’s newest managerial additions when Southampton host Watford at St Mary’s.

There seems to be much curiosity on the south coast over the new acquisition of Frenchman Claude Puel, because despite of his successful season last year with Nice in Ligue 1, it will be difficult to emulate the achievements of previous boss Ronald Koeman.

The Saints come into the game off the back of some impressive pre-season form – going unbeaten before ending with a 1-0 victory against top-flight Spanish outfit Athletic Bilbao last weekend.

Puel’s men look for early momentum to approach a Premier League season which is sure to be more competitive than ever.

Southampton will be looking to Shane Long to provide the goals this season – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

On the other hand, Watford come into Saturday’s clash with a mixed run of form after consecutive home draws to Anzhi Makhachkala and Lorient, as well as a 2-0 away defeat to Championship side Queens Park Rangers.

As with the hosts, we will see another fresh-faced manager making his debut in the opposition dugout, and the appointment of Walter Mazzarri is an intriguing one for sure, due to the Italian’s recent pedigree in Serie A at the helm of Napoli and Inter Milan.

Both clubs have been active in the transfer market this summer, with the notable additions of former Norwich wide-man Nathan Redmond and Nigerian hot-prospect Isaac Success raising the eyebrows of the fans of both teams.

In particular, the question for Watford fans will be whether Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo can recapture the sparkling form that they showed in the first-half of last season under the new management team.

Last season, the results between the two sides were narrowly in favour of the Saints as after a tight 0-0 affair in August last year at Vicarage Road, Southampton ran out comfortable winners with a 2-0 home victory in January.

Team News:

For the Saints, left-back Ryan Bertrand has been ruled out of the fixture with a minor injury while Puel will make a decision on whether Euro 2016 winners Jose Fonte and Cedric are fully fit after an extended summer break.

The visitors will be without club-record signing Isaac Success who has a leg injury, while Craig Cathcart and Valon Behrami both face late fitness tests.

Last Season: Southampton – 6th (63pts): Watford – 13th (45pts)
Last Meeting: Southampton 2-0 Watford (January 13, 2016)
League Form: Southampton – WDWWWW; Watford – LLWLLD
Key Men: Southampton – Shane Long; Watford – Troy Deeney
Shoot Says: Southampton 2-1 Watford