Puel can get off to a great start at Saints

Southampton have flourished under Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman and they can make a bright start to life under Claude Puel by beating Watford.

Sadio Mane, Graziano Pelle and Victor Wanyama have moved on but Charlie Austin, Shane Long and Nathan Redmond are good attacking options.

They are facing Watford at the right time as the Hornets have struggled in pre-season and look ill-prepared for a tough opening match.

Recommendation
Southampton
2pts 5-6 general

Team news
Southampton Ryan Bertrand misses out with a leg injury and Nathan Redmond is set to play in an advanced role in Claude Puel’s favoured diamond formation.

Watford Brice Dja Djedje (foot) and Isaac Success (leg) are likely to miss out and Valon Behrami and Adlene Guedioura are doubts as they try to shake off minor injuries.

Key stat
Watford lost all eight of their away games at top-eight teams last last season