Claudio Ranieri had a rough start at Watford as Liverpool thrashed the team 5-0.
On matchday 9, Watford showed what they are capable of under Ranieir’s management as the Hornets won 5-2 versus Everton away from home.
Southampton are next up for Watford in the Premier League and the two sides will clash on Saturday at Vicarage Road.
The Saints are unbeaten in back-to-back matches in the Premier League as they claimed a 1-0 win over Leeds United and a 2-2 draw with Burnley.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team took points off of their relegation rivals, something they need to do once more against Watford to improve hopes of survival. This is a six-point relegation fixture between the two rivals.
Watford took seven points from the last 18 on offer in the Premier League.
They were outscored 12-9 during that time, but five of those goals were scored by Liverpool.
Southampton took six points from the last 18 available to them. Hasenhuttl’s team is struggling for goals as new signing Adam Armstrong has found adapting to the Premier League difficult.
Southampton scored just four goals over the course of their last six matches.
Hasenhuttl’s team was beaten on penalties in midweek in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals at Chelsea. The teams finished 1-1 at 90 minutes, but Southampton couldn’t score their spot kicks.
Up to four players could be missing for Hasenhuttl this weekend. Striker Armando Broja has an ankle injury that could keep him out of the team. He is a doubt to play, but the news around Mohamed Elyounoussi is good. He should be passed fit for the match.
James Ward-Prowse will once again miss the match due to suspension. Transfer rumours are linking the England midfielder with Newcastle United’s revolution in January. Hasehuttl will be without Jack Stephens, who is nursing a knee injury.
Ranieri may have up to six players in the treatment room on Saturday. Peter Etebo, Emmanuel Dennis, and Christian Kabasele are all three ruled out of the fixture. Francisco Sierralta has a thigh injury but could be available.
Kiko Femenia is a major doubt with a groin injury. Danny Rose, who was destroyed by Mohamed Salah in Ranieri’s debut, is fully fit to play.
Southampton are unbeaten in six straight matches versus Watford in all competitions.
The Saints should remain unbeaten against Watford, but the Hornets should get a point in a score draw.
The last two games between Watford and Southampton finished as draws, and Saturday’s game should see over 2.5 goals in a draw.