Southampton is gearing up to continue its playoff pursuit by hosting Watford at St Mary’s on Saturday at 12:31 GMT. Currently, Southampton holds the 14th position, seven points shy of the playoff spots, while Watford sits eighth, four points ahead, despite a challenging stretch of form.
Recent Performance and Standings
Southampton achieved a solid 2-0 victory over Stoke last Saturday, marking their third match in which they accumulated seven points. Their previous home match saw them secure a narrow 1-0 win against Sheffield United.
Watford is struggling, having not won in six competitions. They recently parted ways with manager Javi Gracia after a 2-0 defeat against Swansea. However, the team managed a goalless draw at Hull City, extending their unbeaten away streak to five matches.
Head-to-Head Record
- Southampton’s recent league games against Watford: W4 D5 (only one loss in last 10)
- Last defeat: 2-1 at home in March 2022
- Watford’s away league performance against Southampton: W1 in last three matches
- Previous visits: W4 D2 in eight games at St Mary’s
Home Advantage for Southampton
Under manager Tonda Eckert, Southampton has been strong at home, with only one loss in eight league matches (W5 D2). Their most recent home defeat came against Hull City, where they lost 2-1 last month.
Watford’s Struggles
The Hornets’ current league form is concerning, with no wins in the last five matches (D3 L2). In that period, they managed to score just two goals, following a successful streak of four wins prior.
Statistical Overview
| Team | Position | Points | Goals Scored | Expected Goals (xG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southampton | 14th | 16 | 43 | 52 |
| Watford | 8th | 20 | ? | ? |
In the Championship this season, Southampton has scored 43 goals based on an expected total of 52. Remarkably, only Blackburn has underperformed relative to their expected goals more than Southampton, which underscores their struggle despite the goal tally.
As the match approaches, both teams face crucial implications from this encounter. Southampton seeks to solidify its playoff ambitions, while Watford aims to reverse its current downturn in form.
