Watford host Southampton at Vicarage Road on Tuesday night in the Premier League. The fixture is vital to both sides but for different reasons.
Javi Gracia’s Hornets are gearing up for the FA Cup Final and need to continue their momentum as the Wembley date against Manchester City nears. Meanwhile, Southampton are just five points above the relegation zone and need to distance themselves further.
Southampton can secure their Premier League survival with a win away to Watford. A disappointing 3-1 loss to Newcastle on Saturday prevented the Saints from gaining survival.
Watford are level on points with seventh-place Leicester City but sit eighth due to goal difference. Gracia’s side edged Huddersfield over the weekend, 2-1, away at the John Smith’s Stadium. Forward Gerard Deulofeu scored twice to power Watford to the win.
The Hornets have lost just once in their last six matches. That loss came against Arsenal at home. Watford have taken 26 of their 49 points at Vicarage Road this term.
Several players are sidelined and will miss the fixture for Watford. Full-back Jose Holebas is still recovering from a hamstring injury.
Midfielder Roberto Pereyra missed the game against Huddersfield due to a hip injury and may be left out again in midweek. He could return against Southampton.
Adalberto Penaranda and Tom Cleverly are both out as well. However, both midfielders are nearing a return to action.
Southampton’s away loss to Newcastle saw the return of midfielder Mario Lemina. The midfielder had missed a number of games due to injury but was fit to come off the bench and score a second-half goal.
Centre-back Yannick Vestergaard missed the fixture due to injury. He may return for Southampton’s trip to Vicarage Road. Alex McCarthy could also be fit to face Watford.
Just 15 of Southampton’s 36 points have been taken on the road this term. Southampton’s away form has really let them down with three of their last six games ending in losses. The Saints have tallied just 17 away goals.
Three of the last six matches in all competitions between Watford and Southampton have ended in draws. Watford have won just once and Southampton twice when the teams have met.
Earlier this term, Watford and Southampton played out a 1-1 draw at St. Mary’s. It was the fourth match in their last six games that saw under 2.5 goals.
The two clubs have combined for 20 yellow cards in their last six matches. Things can get fiery between the teams as 3.33 yellow cards per game have been dished out. Meanwhile, just one red card has been handed out during their six most recent games against one another.
Tuesday night’s fixture is vital for both sides. Watford can strengthen their top-seven aspirations while Southampton could secure their Premier League status for next season.