Southampton host Watford in battle of the bottom two

It is do or die at St Mary’s as the Saints prepare to do battle with fellow relegation candidates, Watford.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men return home after an impressive performance at the Emirates last weekend. The Saints twice took the lead against Arsenal but a 96th minute goal from Alexandre Lacazette denied them the three points.

While their away performances have been somewhat okay, Southampton’s home form is dismal – as it has been for the past four seasons. The south coast outfit have only won 15 of their previous 63 home matches and are yet to win at St Mary’s this season.

Meanwhile, Watford find themselves propping up the table in bottom place following a 0-3 home defeat to Burnley last time out. The Hornets have only won once this campaign, an away 2-0 victory at Carrow Road three weeks ago.

Although the defence remains a concern, Quique Sanchez Flores’ troops are finding things difficult at the other end, scoring the least amount of goals in the league with eight.

Team news

The home side will be without Stuart Armstrong who suffered a calf injury in training. Sofiane Boufal is also ruled out after bizarrely stubbing his toe on a coffee table whilst at home. Danish defender Jannick Vestergaard is a doubt after falling ill in the week.

The visitors have a whole host of absentees sidelined for the trip south. Danny Welbeck (thigh), Sebastian Prodl (knee), Daryl Janmaat (knee), Tom Cleverley (calf) and Craig Dawson (head/face) are all definitely out. Domingos Quina (groin) and Roberto Pereyra (thigh) face late fitness tests.

Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl spoke of the importance of getting back-to-basics:

“Sure, it would be better if we had won against Arsenal, but I think the belief and a few behaviours we didn’t have are back. The players can see if they act like this then they have a better chance of getting something.

“It’s important to focus our energy on the fundamentals and not care too much about the shape or anything else. We had a big chance for three against Arsenal and now it’s about taking the next one.

“The next weeks are very important for us. Like the last game against Arsenal, we have to play and we will have a good chance.”

Despite only taking over from Javi Gracia ten games ago, Quique Sanchez Flores accepts he is danger of the sack:

“It’s true – but every single weekend a lot of managers are under pressure, but this is the nature of our profession and what happens is our responsibility. When we accept the challenge to lead teams, we accept the pressure and the responsibility that comes with the job.

We can do much more – when I accepted to come here, I knew we were going to suffer, but it was part of the plan: We needed to suffer first if you want to reach a different level. But our situation is not about my position as coach – we are talking about the happiness of a lot of people and the future of the club.

“We know how it works in football, so I will do all I can do until the last day.”

Head-to-head

Southampton wins: 35

Draws: 22

Watford wins: 26