After a great win, and that elusive game of two good halves, we have a bit of a wait for this one. A whole week off. A Watford Gap. More of the same please. Encore! Let’s beat Hoedt’s boys on their patch. 0-1 win. Another clean sheet and a late tap in for Shea Charles.
Good time to have a full week! Some players will certainly need the rest and were looking a bit tired on Saturday. I would probably keep the lineup the same. Manning does scare me a bit defensively, but he deserves to keep his place after by far his best performance on Saturday. And although Che didn't offer much threat, he worked hard and I think we look better as an attacking unit with him in the team.
First away day of the season for me. Can foresee a tough game but Hoedt playing gives me a sense of confidence. 1-2
Isn't there a saying which goes something like 'be wary of former players in the opposition, they have a habit of scoring against you? '
Watford FC (First Team) v Southampton FC (First Team) Football League Championship Referee: Eltringham, Geoff Assistant Referee: Hudson, Shaun Assistant Referee: McGrath, Matthew Fourth Official: Reeves, Tom
Geoff Eltringham (born 1980) is an English football referee born in County Durham. Eltringham was appointed on to the English Football League list as an assistant in 2008, and was upgraded to referee in 2009. He made his debut as a referee for the Morecambe F.C. v Hereford United game in League Two on 8 August 2009. He was appointed to the National list of referees for the 2009/10 session and was appointed to the Select Group Two of referees in 2016. Refereed our 2 - 1 win at Hull City
Yet another ground I have only been to once. This one a lovely 0-3 away win in 2012 with someone called R Lambert scoring all 3. The only other fact I can remember was their goalkeeper who was on loan from Man Utd (and who I thought would be difficult to beat) made a mistake for the first goal to set us on our way. He was Tomasz Kuszczak and with 3 Z's in his name might explain why he was asleep for the first goal. Some interesting facts from our previous encounters. Anyone with a good memory will remember the 11-0 home win in 1902. BUT (and it's a big but) anyone who supported Saints in 1980 will have the League Cup tie (played over two legs) indelibly etched in their minds. For those who were fortunate not to be born yet this was Saints at their "Saintsy" best. After winning 4-0 at the Dell our boys managed to lose 7-1, in the return at Vicarage Road. Our goal was an og. We were 2nd in the 1st division and Watford were 14th in the 2nd. When some of the youngsters on here talk about Saints losing games from winning positions, you know nothing. This is why when we are apparently cruising at 2,3,or 4-0 the old stagers on here are still twitching. We have lost only one of the last 15 league meetings, which was the last time we played each other in the 2021/22 season.
Loadsa laying waste to the championship with incisive insightful matchday threads. Long may his aura shine. Watford, they're not crazy more.
Just spotted that Adarma is our top assister as well as our top scorer by a mile 1st name on the team sheet
I think I would be tempted to bring Smallbone back in for this one, if he is ready. Not because Charles did anything wrong Saturday but because Smallbone gets into the box. Wouldn’t change anything else.
With Charles though we've had two clean sheets in a row and our most complete performance of the season. I agree Smallbone is handy getting into the box, but he is still lightweight as a CM. With him and Stu, it leaves all the grafting to Downes. Charles I think helps lift some of the burden. He's also a willing forward-passer, so it's not like we lose too much creativity. His pass when Aribo hit the post is a good example. Only change I'd be tempted with is bringing Bree back in.
Charles has more to his game than Smallbone imo and bigger potential. I don’t dislike Smallbone at all, and his ability to arrive in the box at the right time is something Charles hasn’t yet shown. But Watford are in good form and being away from home, Charles defensive output would keep him in the team for me.
Isn't it nice to debate what player to play not because one is **** and the other ****tier, but because both are good
