Southampton vs Watford Predictions

• Southampton have won 26 of their last 39 home clashes with promoted sides
• The Saints have won their last three meetings with Watford
• The Hornets have lost 12 of 16 clashes with top-half sides
• Adams has scored in five of his last six clashes with promoted teams

Watford sinking

The appointment of Roy Hodgson hasn’t quite got Watford moving in the right direction, with the Hornets drifting towards the drop. They have lost three of their last four games after a comprehensive 4-0 drubbing at Wolves on Thursday.

The manner of that loss doesn’t leave much hope for the Hornets, who are three points shy of 17th-placed Everton despite playing three fixtures more. The fight to save Watford just doesn’t seem to be there, which offers an opportunity for Southampton.

A new boys’ nightmare

Southampton have lost just three of their last 39 Premier League home games against promoted clubs (W26 D10). That’s an impressive record, which has continued this term after beating Brentford 4-1 and Norwich 2-0.

On top of that, Che Adams has scored in five of his last six Premier League games against promoted sides, netting in all four such matches this season. Given that excellent track record, back Adams to add to a run of three goals and an assist from his last six.

Saints still value

Southampton won’t often start as odds-on favourites at home, but they look worthwhile given Watford’s record going into this clash. The Hornets have lost 12 of 16 games against top-half sides, including a 1-0 home defeat to the Saints.

Southampton are now unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against Watford, winning each of the last three. Meanwhile, the hosts have won four of their five home clashes with the bottom-six this term (D1).

Southampton have a lot in their favour here, while Watford are on a terrible run in a disappointing season. Back the Saints to take all three points in this one. With the Hornets losing to nil against four top-half sides on the road this season, back Adams to fire the hosts to a 2-0 victory.

Southampton predicted lineup: Forster; Livramento, Bednarek, Salisu, Walker-Peters; Armstrong, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Elyounoussi; Adams, Broja

Watford predicted lineup: Foster; Cathcart, Kabasele, Samir, Kamara; Sissoko, Louza, Etebo; Hernandez, Dennis, King