Watford v Southampton predictions: Contest may take time to spark into life

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Watford v Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday.

When to bet

3pm Saturday

Best bet

Second half to be highest scoring
1pt Evs general

Team news

Watford
Emanuel Dennis is suspended while Peter Etebo, Christian Kabasele, Kiko Femenia and Francisco Sierralta are out injured. Danny Rose is set to return.

Southampton
James Ward-Prowse is available after serving his three-match ban, but Jack Stephens is still sidelined. Armando Broja has also been ruled out.

Match preview

Memories of Watford’s no-show at home to Liverpool in what was Claudio Ranieri’s first game in charge have quickly been erased after last weekend’s emphatic 5-2 win at Everton.

The Hornets netted four times in the final 13 minutes to complete a remarkable turnaround on Merseyside, and there could be more late drama in their showdown with Southampton.

Given the situation of both sides, neither team will want to take many early risks and the second period is when the contest could spark into life.

Fifteen of the 20 goals scored during Southampton’s nine Premier League matches have come in the second half, and they have failed to score before the break in six of their last seven outings. Eight of the 12 goals Watford have bagged have also come after the interval.

Key stat

Over 2.5 goals has clicked in seven of Southampton's last nine Premier League away games.

Inside info

Watford

Penalty taker Ismaila Sarr
Free-kick wizard Tom Cleverley/Ismaila Sarr
Set-piece aerial threat Craig Cathcart
Card magnet Danny Rose

Southampton

Penalty taker James Ward-Prowse
Free-kick wizard James Ward-Prowse
Set-piece aerial threat Jan Bednarek
Card magnet Moussa Djenepo

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