Watford v Southampton preview: Can either side earn their first win?
Sunday 23 August 2015 16:20, UK
Watford are looking for their first win since returning to the Premier League when they host Southampton on Sunday.
Watford have their first two games, against Everton and West Bromwich Albion, following their promotion last year.
Southampton are also without a win and travel to Vicarage Road on the back of a 3-0 defeat to Everton.
Ronald Koeman's side drew their opening game 2-2 against Newcastle at St James' Park.
Team news
New signing Alessandro Diamanti could make his Watford debut, should he receive international clearance in time.
Defender Miguel Britos and goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis are also both available for their first appearances after serving bans given at their previous clubs.
Nathan Ake is expected to be on the bench after arriving on loan from Chelsea earlier this week as, beyond long-term absentee Joel Ekstrand, manager Quique Flores has a fully-fit squad from which to choose.
Southampton, meanwhile, have no fresh injury concerns. Ronald Koeman's side faced a tough Europa League play-off tie against FC Midtjylland on Thursday night but the Dutchman confirmed everyone who was involved is in contention at Vicarage Road.
Jay Rodriguez could again start as he looks for his first Premier League goal in 17 months, with Manchester United target Sadio Mane likely to be included. Ryan Bertrand (knee) and Jordie Clasie (hamstring) remain unavailable, as does long-term absentee Fraser Forster (knee).
Stats
Watford have lost just one of their last six competitive meetings at Vicarage Road against Saints (W4 D1 L1).
In the last season that these two sides met (2011-12), Southampton won both home and away without conceding a goal in either match.
The next goal scored at Vicarage Road will be the 100th Premier League goal scored at the home of Watford.
Just two of Graziano Pellè's 13 Premier League goals have come away from home.
Saints have won just one of their last eight Premier League games (W1 D2 L5), conceding in every one of these matches.
No side are on a longer current run of failing to keep a clean sheet in the Premier League than Southampton (eight games).
Merson's prediction
Southampton's defeat at home to Everton was the shock result last weekend - I did not see that coming at all.
Watford have done alright with two draws so far and could have beaten West Brom.
I think it will be another draw for Watford, which will be a good result. If you had asked me last week before Saints lost, I would have gone for Southampton, but that loss to Everton has to knock the stuffing out of them a bit.
Saints punched above their weight last year and had such a great season, which is why it's such a shock them losing to Everton so heavily.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (9/2 with Sky Bet)
Betting
Sky Bet make Southampton marginal favourites to take the spoils against 7/4 shots Watford with the draw a 9/4 shot. The Hornets have drawn both their opening fixtures but remain 11/10 shots to be relegated come next May. Southampton stumbled at home last week but are still 9/2 shots to secure a top six finish. Troy Deeney is 11/2 to net the opening goal, while Graziano Pelle is 2/1 to score anytime for the Saints. Sadio Mane, who is attracting interest from Manchester United, is 11/4 to score for the visitors.
