Prediction League: Hornets Away

Today is the opposite fixture to the home opener back in August.

In the build up to this game Claude Puel mentioned the horrendous opening 45 minutes of the season.

"[In pre-season]We played good football, with possession and we lost this good intention in the first game against Watford"

The excitement that built up during the summer completely evaporated as a big bad Watford side bullied our unsuspecting saints. James Ward-Prowse was given a start as our new French coach was eager to show that he trusted the club's youth products. The ease with which the squeaky clean youngster was repeatedly brushed aside by Capoue and Behrami highlighted the struggles this new squad might have coping with the loss of Wanyama and Pelle. At half time we were lucky to just be one goal down.

"We played the game of Watford, direct play, duels and in this situation we cannot rival them."

The final 45 minutes were better even though the season's main problem, lack of strikers, was plainly evident for all to see. In the end it took a howler from Huerlho Gomes to gift us our first point of the season.

Things have changed since then. Southampton bought a striker and that was all we needed to become the best of the rest. Watford have had an underwhelming season but still sit a place and a point above us.

Prediction Time

Merse: 1-1

I just don't know which Watford team will turn up. I've been going 1-1 in a lot of Watford games recently. They are not doing enough to win games at the moment but at the same time, they are doing enough not to lose them.

Lawro: 1-2

Watford never seem to be in the news, which shows they must be doing something right. They are just in mid-table, doing what Watford do, and nobody really notices them, which I suppose is a good thing.

This is a tough game to call but I am going to go with the Hornets.

Allen: 0-2

I'll say a comfortable 2-0 for Saints. Think our guys have a lot of belief now despite the result on Sunday.

Dan V: 1-3

Also feeling confident. These last few weeks have probably been Puel's first chance to actually coach the squad, and we were excellent for much of the EFL Cup Final. Gabbiadini to continue his run. 3-1 Saints.

Will: 1-3

The whole Wembley experience was a joy. Whilst the united fans turned up and just stood watching their victory, it really felt like the saints fans and players shared something special. For whatever reason a large section of the fanbase hadn't fallen for Puel in the same way they did his predessors. But Sunday felt like a metamorphosis in this relationship and #puelout is dead. At least it should be.

3-1 saints.

George: 1-2

2-1 away win I think. Our attack looks like it's clicking into gear but not really sure on our defence against a target man like Deeney, in a similar vein to Carroll and Ibra, will hold out.