Watford are looking to secure back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time since February when they host Southampton at Vicarage Road on Tuesday evening. The reverse fixture was played in November and it ended 1-1, Manolo Gabbiadini opened the scoring for the Saints and Jose Holebas netted the equalizer in the 80th minute for Watford. Last season Southampton grabbed a 2-2 draw at Watford after having lost the home match 2-0, while the FA Cup clash between the two sides was won 1-0 by Southampton. Overall, the Saints have won two of the last six direct matches in all competition, while the Hornets have won just one.
Watford are in the middle of a fierce battle for seventh place, one that could bring qualification to next season's UEFA Europa League. The Hornets are tied on 49 points with Everton in seventh place, while Leicester and Wolves are just one point behind. Last week Watford managed to grab a 2-1 victory at already relegated Huddersfield thanks to a double from Gerard Deulofeu and now they can win two league matches in a row for the first time since February. Troy Deeney is still suspended for the home side, while Tom Cleverley, Domingos Quina, Adalberto Penaranda and Jose Holebas are out injured. Roberto Pereyra has returned to training last week and could be ready to play in this match.
Southampton are not in grave relegation danger yet, but they are not out of the woods either. Last week they lost 3-1 at Newcastle and that result complicated their situation, they are five points above 18th-placed Cardiff and Brighton are two points behind in 19th spot. In theory the Saints could remain in the Premier League even if they lose their remaining four matches, provided that Cardiff don't win at least two of their remaining three. Mario Lemina scored from the bench at Newcastle upon his return from a four-month injury layoff and he will probably be given another few minutes in Tuesday's match. Michael Obafemi remains sidelined, while Jannik Vestergaard and Yan Valery are injury doubts for the visitors.
Probable line-ups:
Watford: Foster - Janmaat, Mariappa, Cathcart, Masina - Doucoure, Capoue - Hughes, Pereyra - Gray, Deulofeu
Southampton: Gunn - Bednarek, Yoshida, Stephens - Ward-Prowse, Hojbjerg, Romeu, Lemina, Bertrand - Ings, Redmond
My prediction: Watford to win 2-1, the Saints will fight for a point but the Hornets should be able to squeeze past them and get the victory that they need.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Watford win - 2.25
Draw - 3.50
Southampton win - 3.40
04/24/19, 02:04:01 PM
