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Match Preview: Saints vs Watford
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THE MATCH
Southampton vs Watford
Saturday 9th September, 3pm BST
St Mary’s
Premier League
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Both teams remain unbeaten three games into the Premier League season with identical records; one win and two draws.
The two sides were held to goalless draws by newly-promoted opposition last time out before the international break.
Saints shared the points at Huddersfield, while Watford’s game plan against Brighton was thrown out of the window by the 24th-minute dismissal of defender Miguel Britos.
TEAM NEWS
Southampton: Mauricio Pellegrino has a fully-fit squad for the visit of Watford.
Virgil van Dijk, who has not played since January 22nd, is back in first-team training, while Matt Targett has overcome a knock.
Watford: Younès Kaboul, Daryl Janmaat and Roberto Pereyra are all back in training after injury, while captain Troy Deeney is nearing full fitness.
Sebastian Prödl (hamstring) is a doubt, but fellow defenders Miguel Britos (suspended) and Craig Cathcart (knee) are definitely missing.
Orestis Karnezis, Molla Waguè and Marvin Zeegelaar are all new arrivals who signed on transfer deadline day, while Nordin Amrabat and Costel Pantilimon both departed on season-long loans.
FORM GUIDE
Southampton’s previous five:
Huddersfield Town (a) D 0-0
Wolves (h) L 0-2 (Carabao Cup)
West Ham United (h) W 3-2
Swansea City (h) D 0-0
Sevilla (h) W 2-0 (Pre-season friendly)
Watford’s previous five:
Brighton & Hove Albion (h) D 0-0
Bristol City (h) L 2-3 (Carabao Cup)
AFC Bournemouth (a) W 2-0
Liverpool (h) D 3-3
Real Sociedad (h) D 0-0 (Pre-season friendly)
TOP PERFORMERS
Top scorers: Manolo Gabbiadini (1), Dušan Tadić (1), Charlie Austin (1)
Most assists: Nathan Redmond (1)
Top scorers: Étienne Capoue (2), Five players (1)
Most assists: José Holebas (1)
ONE TO WATCH
Brazilian youngster Richarlison has taken no time to showcase his talent in England.
Making his debut as a substitute on the opening day against Liverpool, the 20-year-old was involved in setting up Watford’s last-gasp equaliser before going one better by scoring in the 2-0 victory at Bournemouth.
An Under-20 international, the winger is seen as quite a coup at £11.2m, having established himself as one of the brightest prospects in South America at former club Fluminense.
Combined with raw talent and an ability to ghost past opponents is an impressive physical stature for one so young that should aid his transition to the Premier League.
ALL-TIME RECORD
Played: 48
Southampton: 21
Draws: 10
Watford: 17
PREVIOUS FOUR MEETINGS
March 2017: Watford 3-4 Southampton (Tadić, Redmond 2, Gabbiadini)
August 2016: Southampton 1-1 Watford (Redmond)
January 2016: Southampton 2-0 Watford (Long, Tadić)
August 2015: Watford 0-0 Southampton
DID YOU KNOW?
Southampton are unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Watford, winning four and drawing three.
Nathan Redmond has registered four goals and one assist in his last three Premier League games against the Hornets.
If Watford avoid defeat, it will be the first time in the club’s history they have remained unbeaten for the first four matches of a top-flight season.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Can’t make it? Our interactive match centre at southamptonfc.com will have all the build-up, as well as in-game updates and free live audio commentary for you to enjoy.
Additionally, be sure to follow us on our various social channel for behind-the-scenes access and further updates.
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3pm BST
St Mary’s
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