Southampton vs Watford – Saturday 9th September 2017 – 15:00
Southampton are 8/13 with Manolo Gabbiadini and Charlie Austin at 7/2 to score first.
Southampton face Watford at St.Mary's on Saturday afternoon, in the second round of games in the Premier League.
The Saints come into this match in mixed form, having drawn their last game away against Huddersfield 0-0.
That draw was Southampton's second draw this season, having also drawn the opening match against Swansea.
The Saints dominated possession with 55% of the ball, but only produced six shots and converting three of them on target.
In comparison with the hosts who had 45% of the ball, but produced 15 total shots and six on target.
Mauricio Pellegrino will surely be alarmed by those statistics, with the Saints struggling to create any clear cut chances.
New Manager
It has been another season of change for Southampton on the managerial front, with Mauricio Pellegrino now in the hot seat.
They now appear to have welcomed Virgil Van Dijk back into the fold, with the transfer window now closed.
Despite remaining unbeaten in the Premier League, the manager will be disappointed with the two draws.
The Saints find themselves in 8th place after the opening three matches, a win here will give them 8 points from four matches.
Saints Favourites
Southampton come into this match as favourites, with home advantage decisive for the bookies.
Mauricio Pellegrino's men will be looking to win this fixture, having been frustrated in their fixtures so far.
The Saints will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to eight matches against the Hornets.
New Season
Watford come into this match on the back of a 0-0 draw against Brighton, an excellent result for the Hornets.
The Hornets had a poor start to the match, with Miguel Britos rightly sent off for a wild knee high lunge on Anthony Knockaert (24).
But Brighton were unable to make that extra man's advantage count, despite playing 66 minutes against the 10 men hosts.
Chris Hughton's side had the best of possession (57.8%), twice as many shots (16) and more shots on target (2).
They hit the post twice through Anthony Knockaert and Tomer Hemed, but they had to settle for a draw in the end.
Success Needed
Watford endured a tough campaign last season, with the Hornets finishing in 17th place under Walter Mazzarri.
They come into this match unbeaten in the league as well, with two draws against Liverpool and Brighton as well as the win against Bournemouth.
The Hornets find themselves with an identical record to Southampton's, with both sides on five points.
They have strengthened with nine new signings, new manager Marco Silva has been keen to mould a squad of his own during the off season.
Hornets Underdogs
Marco Silva's side come into this match as underdogs, with the Saints home advantage informing the odds.
This will be a tough match for the Hornets, but Southampton are also struggling in front of goal.
Watford will be looking for a first win in nine years against the Saints.
Watford are 9/2 with Andre Gray at 7/1 to open the scoring.
Betting Tips
Tip 1 – Austin to score first @ 7/2
Tip 2 – Southampton to win 2-1 @ 7/1