Three Key Saints: Watford (H)
After two weeks off on international duty, Saints return to St. Mary’s in the Premier League against Watford.
Saints are coming off the back of a goalless draw away to Huddersfield, and will be hoping to bag some goals against the Hornets and continue their decent start to the new season.
Watford have also started well in the early stages of this campaign, winning one and drawing two, just like Saints, and only one goal separates the two teams in the table on goal difference.
Southampton, however, will have a big boost coming into the game, with the potential return of Virgil van Dijk, who looked in good spirits in training ahead of this weekend clash.
Here are my three key Saints against Watford!
Mario Lemina
The Gabon international has been very impressive in his first two starts for the club, and will likely start alongside Oriol Romeu.
Against Huddersfield Lemina dominated the midfield and hardly ever lost the ball, and could be a key part in Saints’ plan against Watford’s strong midfield.
Jack Stephens
The youngster has gone from strength to strength since being thrown in the deep end last year, and was one of Saints’ best players last month.
I believe that he will continue his good form against Watford, and will be one of Saints’ key players, as he attempts to keep quick strikers Andre Gray and Richarlison in his back pocket.
Manolo Gabbiadini
The Italian is the only Saints player to score from open play this season, and is already showing to be one of our main attacking outlets for the course of the season.
If he gets the right service from the midfield, there’s no stopping him from bagging a few goals against the Hornets!