please log in to view this image WATFORD v SOUTHAMPTON please log in to view this image Vicarage Road Stadium Saturday 9th December 2023 Kick Off : 1500 GMT please log in to view this image Although Valerien Ismael would have been encouraged by the backing that he has received from the Watford hierarchy, he has still been required to justify his surprise new contract. As it stands, he and his Hornets squad have delivered, a run of five wins and three draws having been recorded from their last nine fixtures. Watford still only sit in 10th, highlighting their relatively poor start, but momentum is building, with their only recent setback coming away at leaders Leicester City. Their performances at home have been key, Watford collecting 10 points from a possible 12 with their most recent home win over Norwich City coming after they had been two goals down during the early stages. That was backed up by an impressive 2-1 success at sixth-placed Hull City last time out, and the belief is there that they can end Southampton's lengthy unbeaten run. please log in to view this image Russell Martin's team have now gone 11 games without suffering a defeat, posting eight wins and three draws during that period. Unlike in the early weeks of Martin's reign, solutions have been found in defence, the Saints going six games without conceding more than one goal in a single fixture. Four triumphs on the spin have been recorded at St Mary's, most recently against Cardiff City as they netted twice in the opening 15 minutes to run out 2-0 victors. Southampton have also gone five games unbeaten way from home, but they did drop points in their most recent such contest at Huddersfield Town through conceding a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw. Team News None available at present: Our Officials please log in to view this image Geoff Eltringham has been appointed as the man in the middle for the game against fourth-placed Southampton. Shaun Hudson and Matthew McGrath are due to be the assistant referees, with Tom Reeves on fourth official duties.
Given the relative positions in the table and the form Southampton are on, I would be happy with a draw. Stay undefeated and continue our momentum. Obviously a win would feel like we're genuinely in the play-off hunt now.
Team news from Ismael: Chakvetadze fit and in squad, only player definitely ruled out is Ngakia. Week with no game has been useful, but players keen to get out there. His challenge to them is to now repeat the good work of last week, game after game
I think most of my fellow saints fans would probably take a draw as well tbh but here's hoping for a goal fest (with saints sneaking a win) to warm the cockles.
Livermore has a minor knee strain. Scan shows nothing major, but no risks taken and he might miss Tuesday too.
Must have been about 50 passes by Southampton there before we regained the ball - but they didn't really get anywhere with them.
Saints have opened up our defence twice in a couple of minutes, but did nothing either time - not even a shot.
