Watford aiming to prove Southampton’s stumbling block

Watford have had a quietly competent start to the Premier League this season, snatching opening draws against both Everton and West Bromwich Albion, and are 9/4 from Coral to at least take point from their second tussle on home turf.

The Hertfordshire outfit are not without the quality to win, however, as Southampton have really struggled to get out of the blocks and are yet to record a league victory, having already faced three Europa League qualifying clashes.

Saints’ last outing, against Danish club Midtjylland, who also held the south coasters, arrived just three days before this match-up, so home side the Hornets should be fresher for this fixture.

With that in their favour, Watford are an excellent price of 7/4 for a first three-point haul, and have some intriguing scorer shouts ready to test their guests’ rearguard.

Former Championship goal machine and skipper Troy Deeney is the obvious dangerman, but is yet to break his duck. The usually prolific poacher has looked sharp, however, and it is only a matter of time before he bags a goal. So back the Hornets’ leading man at 6/1 to provide sting against the Saints and score first, or alternatively at 7/4 as an anytime chance.

Also impressing after the step up to is Nigerian poacher Odion Ighalo, 2/1 to net his second top tier strike anytime, while Matej Vydra, linked with a loan move away, is the same price to prove his worth. Italian midfielder Alessandro Diamanti could also make his debut if international clearance is granted in time.

As for Ronald Koeman’s side, Jordie Clasie and Ryan Bertrand remain injury doubts, so Southampton will need their proven sharpshooters to take the initiative.

With no wins from their last eight league away games, Graziano Pelle and Shane Long, respective 9/2 and 6/1 shots to score first and last, have both been among the goals this season and could prove prudent punts.

Reported Manchester United target Sadio Mane, meanwhile, is 7/4 to dazzle potential suitors with a strike anytime, though Koeman told media “we’re not selling any more players…write what you want to about the rumours…nobody is going to leave Southampton.”

The south coast club did previously do the double over their upcoming hosts last time the two met in the Championship, so are 17/10 to get their season back on track with victory on the road.

Betting tip: With Watford impressing and Southampton struggling but still with a superior squad, a draw at 9/4 looks nifty