Southampton vs Watford: Combined XI
Southampton will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to the Premier League season with a win over Watford this Saturday.
The Saints head into the game having picked up five points; one win and two draws. Watford are very much in the same boat, and have had an incredibly similar start to the campaign.
Both sides are still adjusting to their new managers’ demands, and it’s shaping up to be an interesting contest on Saturday.
Saints and Watford both boast having a plethora of impressive talents at their disposal, but just who would make a combined line-up between the two sides ahead of the weekend’s clash?
We’ve had our say below.
Heurelho Gomes – GK
I’ve gone with Gomes here. It’s a tricky one, and I don’t think there’s a lot between Fraser Forster and him. However, despite what reputation suggests, Gomes doesn’t make a lot of errors and has been consistent for Watford for some time now.
Cedric Soares – RB
This one is a no-brainer, truth be told. I’m a fan of Kiko Femenia and Daryl Janmaat is a solid player, but Cedric is on another level to the aforementioned Watford players.
Virgil van Dijk – CB
I needn’t explain this inclusion. Van Dijk is probably the best player between the two sides.
Wesley Hoedt – CB
Hoedt is an established Netherlands international, like Van Dijk, and is a rather easy pick here. Watford don’t boast the greatest quality at centre-back, and Hoedt gets in here ahead of Jack Stephens and Maya Yoshida for Saints.
Ryan Bertrand – LB
Jose Holebas is an underrated player but Ryan Bertrand is one of the best in his position, and is a shoe-in for this combined line-up.
Oriol Romeu – CDM
Romeu was Saints’ best player last season and whilst Nathaniel Chalobah is growing into a good player at Watford, the Spaniard has shown his quality for a while now.
Mario Lemina – CDM
The former Marseille and Juventus man gets in next to Romeu. His pace and power edges him into this side ahead of Etienne Capoue, but there’s not a lot in it. An honourable mention should go out to Abdoulaye Doucoure, who has been impressive for the Hornets recently.
Nathan Redmond – RM
Redmond was a tricky one to include. Both sides have quality going forward, but Redmond is always a bright spark and, rather incidentally, always seems to have a good game against Watford. Andre Carrillo will be a good player for the Hornets, but I’m going with Redmond here. He’s easily interchangeable with Sofiane Boufal or Dusan Tadic, though.
Roberto Pereyra – CAM
Pereyra was desperately unfortunate with injuries last season and is struggling with fitness at this early stage of the season. However, he is a player with immense natural talent and ability. He’s certainly a key player for Watford, and one who is exciting to watch.
Richarlison – LM
Watford’s Brazilian sensation has been in superb form since signing from Fluminense. His pace, power and trickery has taken the league by storm, and he gets into this combined line-up.
Manolo Gabbiadini – ST
Both sides have quality up front. Charlie Austin is a more than capable striker for Saints, while Andre Gray and Troy Deeney are both good options for Watford. However, Gabbiadini’s movement and cutting edge just edge him into this side; he’s a constant threat and the best striker between the sides.