Watford and Southampton will face one another within the FA Cup fourth spherical on Sunday, taking a break from Championship motion.
Match Preview
Whereas presently sitting ninth within the second tier, Watford can have a tricky problem in opposition to Southampton, who’re third and having fun with a powerful unbeaten streak in English soccer’s prime 5 divisions.
Southampton, led by Russell Martin, haven’t misplaced a sport since September 23 and would like to proceed their Championship schedule.
They secured a 3-1 victory in opposition to Swansea Metropolis final weekend, conserving them inside eight factors of the league leaders with 18 video games remaining.
Their away type has been a priority, with solely two wins in six Championship fixtures, however their constant avoidance of defeat on the street deserves recognition.
Within the FA Cup, Southampton superior to the final 32 with a convincing 4-0 win over Walsall at St Mary’s, adopted by two extra victories the place they scored a complete of 11 targets.
Watford confronted a more durable problem in opposition to lower-level opposition, needing a comeback to beat Nationwide League facet Chesterfield 2-1.
Regardless of the potential setback, Watford responded nicely, amassing 4 factors from their subsequent two league video games. They recorded a 2-1 triumph in opposition to Queens Park Rangers and a 1-1 draw in opposition to Bristol Metropolis.
This optimistic efficiency has stored Valerien Ismael’s group inside 5 factors of fifth-placed West Bromwich Albion, sustaining their hopes for a playoff spot within the second half of the season.
The final league assembly between these sides occurred on December 9, leading to a 1-1 draw with Watford scoring a late equalizer.
Workforce Information
Each groups are anticipated to make a number of adjustments to their lineups for this contest.
Watford supervisor Valerien Ismael will seemingly deliver goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann again into the beginning XI.
Different gamers equivalent to Jamal Lewis, Francisco Sierralta, Tom Ince, Matheus Martins, and Vakoun Bayo may also anticipate to start out at Vicarage Highway.
Emmanuel Dennis, who just lately returned to Watford, could also be stored on the substitutes’ bench.
Southampton may even rotate their squad, with Jack Stephens, Shea Charles, Joe Rothwell, Carlos Alcaraz, and Sekou Mara all in rivalry for beginning roles.
Che Adams’s involvement could rely upon whether or not he’s transferred earlier than the tip of the January window.
Predicted Lineups
Watford potential beginning lineup: (4-1-4-1)
Bachmann;
Andrews, Porteous, Hoedt, Lewis;
Sierralta;
Ince, Dele-Bashiru, Kone, Martins; B
ayo
Southampton potential beginning lineup: (4-3-3)
Lumley;
Walker-Peters, Stephens, Bednarek, Manning;
Charles, Downes, Rothwell;
A.Armstrong, Alcaraz, Fraser
Prediction: Watford 1-3 Southampton
With each groups anticipated to make adjustments to their lineups, the result of the match turns into extra unpredictable.
Nonetheless, it’s troublesome to wager in opposition to Southampton, given their present type and powerful performances in opposition to EFL golf equipment.