SOUTHAMPTON VS WATFORD: PREVIEW

Southampton and Watford will both be keen to produce a strong reaction after last weeks defeats to Manchester City and Newcastle United, respectively.

The Saints were demolished 6-1 at the Etihad Stadium by the champions; with City exposing all of Southampton's defensive frailties.

Whereas Watford lost to struggling Newcastle at St. James' Park - with the Hornets failing to capitalise on their recent strong form.

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TEAM NEWS:

Southampton are hopeful that Mario Lemina will be able to overcome a thigh strain in order to feature against the Hornets.

Defender Wesley Hoedt is a doubt for the visit of Watford, after a foot infection has forced him to miss training this week.

Source: The Times

Watford captain Troy Deeney is set to return to the team, after missing three games with a hamstring problem.

Etienne Capoue is suspended for the visitors, after five yellow cards.

Long-term absentees, Tom Cleverley, Sebastian Prodl and Daryl Janmaat are all still sidelined for the away side.

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THE MANAGERS:

Southampton manager Mark Hughes explained his decision to switch training to the stadium for preparations.

"Everybody knows if you keep on doing the same things it's a sure sign of madness," Hughes said.

"Sometimes you've got to mix things up. We'll see at the weekend if it's had an impact.

"It won't do any harm, a change of scenery. Sometimes going into a training ground day in, day out becomes a little bit monotonous and sometimes you've got to change things up and that's what we did."

Watford boss Javi Gracia is expecting a "very difficult game" at St. Mary's and has demanded his side to learn from the last game.

Source: Football365

"I know it will be a very difficult game. We have to learn about the last game [a 1-0 defeat by Newcastle] because we dominated the game, we thought we won the game and after we weren't able to do it," Gracia said.

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MATCH STATS:

- Southampton won this fixture last season (2-0), with two long-range strikes securing the victory.

- The Saints are without a Premier League win in seven games (D3, L4).

- Mark Hughes has only won three Premier League games in his 19 matches in charge of Southampton.

- Midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has scored in all three of his Premier League meetings with Southamptons.

- Ben Foster is set to make his 300th appearance in the Premier League.

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BETTING ODDS:

Southampton - 6/4

Draw - 23/10

Watford - 21/10