Southampton VS Watford Match Prediction

Southampton have won 33 of the historic meetings between themselves and Watford, who have claimed the points 25 times in this fixture over the years, while there have also been 18 draws.

The Saints are currently unbeaten in five games against the Hornets, this run coming off the back of Watford enjoying six straight successes against Southampton.

Last season, Watford picked up a point with a 0-0 draw at home against Southampton early in the campaign, but they went on to lose 2-0 at St Mary's in January's return fixture.

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Southampton v Watford: Prediction

The Saints had a strong home record last season and they can maintain that form under their impressive new coach Claude Puel, who led Nice to fourth in Ligue 1 against the odds last year. 

It is harder to know what to expect from Watford's new manager Walter Mazzarri, with a trip to the south coast a tempting opening fixture for the Italian. Southampton have a stronger squad despite the summer sales of Mane and Wanyama and they can pick up the points on Saturday.

Southampton v Watford: Betting Tips

Odds of 4/5 on Southampton to get off to a winning start in the Premier League appear generous given how poorly Watford performed in the closing weeks of last season, with the price of 4/1 on an away win appearing bad value despite the large odds. The draw can be backed at 11/4 here.

The 9/10 on offer for Southampton to score over 1.5 goals seems to be outstanding value, while it is also recommended to take the 2/1 on the Saints to win to nil - Watford have not scored in their last three matches against Southampton.

Southampton have had to replace their manager yet again this summer, with former Nice coach Claude Puel replacing Everton-bound Ronald Koeman, while star players Victor Wanyama and Sadio Mane have joined Tottenham and Liverpool respectively.

Last year's sixth-place finish will be hard to match, but Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Nathan Redmond are both exciting young signings who could make an impact. Puel must decide whether to partner Charlie Austin with Shane Long in attack or stick with just one player up front. Matt Targett is set to fill in at left-back as Ryan Bertrand is an injury doubt.

Southampton likely XI:

Forster, Soares, Van Dijk, Fonte, Targett, Ward-Prowse, Davis, Clasie, Tadic, Long, Redmond.

Walter Mazzarri has used a number of different formations during pre-season after succeeding Quique Sanchez Flores at Vicarage Road, but the Italian looks set to go with a back three here.

Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo were both prolific in the first half of last season but when their form dropped after Christmas, Watford's results nosedived and Mazzarri will be hoping they can get back to their best as, on form, they are one of the Premier League's deadliest strike pairings.

Watford likely XI:

Gomes, Cathcart, Prodl, Britos, Anya, Watson, Doucoure, Capoue, Holebas, Deeney, Ighalo.

Southampton are again being tipped for a difficult season after losing star players and their manager, but Claude Puel looks to be an astute appointment and they have recruited well again, with defensive midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg having the potential to be one of the signings of the summer. It could well be second-season syndrome for Watford this year, with the Saints likely to take the points at St Mary\'s on Saturday.

Watford have not scored a single goal in their last three games against Southampton.