OptiNews - Friday 03 to Thursday 09 March 2017

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Premier League Predictions: Arsenal stun Liverpool at Anfield, Man United and Chelsea win

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Jose Mourinho’s side are getting better with every game this season. They may have been fortunate in beating Southampton at Wembley last weekend, but I think they will run riot at Old Trafford tomorrow. Bournemouth have conceded 20 goals in their last seven games and with Zlatan Ibrahimovic in top form it could be a long afternoon for Eddie Howe’s men. United will also know they could end up even closer to the top four places with Liverpool taking on Arsenal in the late match. Jamie Vardy is well and truly back after his efforts against Liverpool on Monday. And after the shameful sacking of Claudio Ranieri the Foxes have seemingly turned a corner. Hull have improved massively under Marco Silva but it will be a step too far for them to get anything at the King Power.

“Arsenal have struggled against their main rivals this season but they could rise to the occasion at Anfield” Both teams struggle in front of goal so I don’t see this being the most entertaining game of the weekend. Middlesbrough are in real trouble and unless Alvaro Negredo can find his shooting boots they will be playing Championship football next season. Stoke will just edge to a victory and keep their sights on a top half finish under Mark Hughes. Since Paul Clement has taken over at Swansea, he has turned their form around. The Swans were seemingly down and out but are now two points clear of the relegation zone. Burnley’s troubles away from home are well documented and I don’t see that changing this weekend. Fernando Llorente to net a hat-trick and edge Swansea further away from the drop zone.

Watford are the most unpredictable side in the Premier League. One minute they can look unbeatable, the next they are all at sea in their defence. Manolo Gabbiadini has been sensational since joining the Saints in January, even netting a brace in the EFL Cup final last weekend. Southampton will take confidence from their Wembley efforts and pick up a hard-fought win. Sam Allardyce may have finally got his Eagles flying last week with a win against relegation rivals Middlesbrough but this trip to the Hawthorns is a tricky assignment. The Baggies have won eight of their 13 home games and are enjoying a fine campaign under Tony Pulis. Palace have struggled with defending corners so Gareth McAuley could pop up with another goal.

2017 has been a bleak year so far for Jurgen Klopp’s side. They were atrocious in defeat at Leicester on Monday night and appear to have run out of steam. Arsenal have struggled against their main rivals this season but they could rise to the occasion at Anfield. Will Everton prove they can mix it with the best teams? An intriguing battle is in store at White Hart Lane but Tottenham are excellent at White Hart Lane and Harry Kane is on fire.

They have scored 10 times in their last two games and have won their last three league games. Sunderland look doomed and their leaky defence could suffer with Sergio Aguero keen to prove a point. Slaven Bilic’s side have escaped the problems that plagued them at the start of the campaign and won this fixture in the EFL Cup in October. But Chelsea are on a mission to win the league and will be desperate to ensure their healthy lead at the top of the table remains. Antonio Conte will have his troops fired up to secure all three points at the London Stadium.

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Puel: We must look forward

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Attention now turns back to the Premier League following the heart-breaking defeat to Manchester United in the final at Wembley last week.

Watford are first up for Puel’s men, as they bid to climb the table, and the boss says his players can’t afford to look back.

“It’s a lot of disappointment of course, because I think in this game we were the best team,” he explained.

“Now it’s important to make clear that we need to move up the table and to approach this game with Watford very focused.

“We need to show concentration to move up the table and this game against Watford is very important.

“It was a fantastic journey in the EFL Cup, but we cannot have any regrets.

“All of the club worked very hard and the support was fantastic. Now we cannot have regrets, it’s important to look forward and not back.”

But Puel believes Sunday’s final against United showed just what his side is capable of.

“We showed all of our potential, with good preparation and a good training camp before too,” he added.

“It’s good satisfaction despite the disappointment because we showed our level and had good possibilities against a great team.

“Our performance showed what we can do, and this is a good thing to take forward.”

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Sourced from talkSPORT article

Premier League club legends: One player for each team who could go on to earn legendary status

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Becoming a true great at a club is a dream for a footballer.

Wayne Rooney etched his name in the history books of Manchester United this season to confirm his status as one of the greatest to play at the Theatre of Dreams.

And there are plenty of players following in his footsteps across the Premier League.

Mauricio Pochettino, for instance, believes Harry Kane is well on his way to becoming an icon at Tottenham Hotspur.

So scroll through the gallery above to check out who we believe has the potential to become a club legend at each Premier League club.

Agree or disagree? Let us know your pick by leaving a comment below!

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

On The Road: Watford

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Club Details

Address: Vicarage Road, Watford, WD18 0ER

Telephone: 01923 233 023

Capacity: 21,977

Website: www.watfordfc.com

Nickname: The Hornets

Colours: Yellow and Black

Away Supporters

Away fans are housed in the Vicarage Road Stand at one end of the ground behind the goal. Tickets are sold out and Saints will be backed by 2,159 supporters. Disabled supporters should aim for the ‘Vicarage Roadie’ Information Point next to the Hornets Shop. Supporters should then approach Watford’s ‘Vicarage Roadies’ match day meet and greet team, who are dressed in bright green hi-vis jackets and will be stationed outside the stadium from 1pm onwards on the day. The ‘Roadies’ team will be happy to escort supporters to the appropriate accessible entrances and on to the away sections of the stadium.

Please be aware that due to restricted concourse space, alcohol is only served pre-match and is not available at half-time.

Getting There By Car

Leave the M25 at junction 19 and take the A411 towards Watford. On nearing the town centre you will reach two roundabouts. Go straight on when you approach the first roundabout before turning right onto the A412 towards Rickmansworth. Take the second left into Merton Road (which is signposted Hospital). Keep right on that road before turning left onto Vicarage Road as the road forks. The ground will be on your left.

Car Parking

There is no parking available for fans at the ground and street parking is restricted for local residents with matchday permits.

Watford town centre has several car parks, the easiest of which for access to Vicarage Road is Church Car Park on the inside of the ring-road, opposite the turn-off into Vicarage Road. All town centre car parks are within a 10-minute walk of Vicarage Road. There is also additional car parking in the Town Centre at Royalty House (on King Street, just off the High Street). Other possibilities are Watford Grammar School for Girls, Cassiobury Park Avenue, and Fishers Industrial Estate off Wiggenhall Road.

Addtiional information is available with Watford Football Club’s ‘Visiting Vicarage Road’ guide which can be seen by clicking here.

Getting There By Train

Watford High Street is the nearest station to the stadium and is just a ten-minute walk away.

Most fans will come into Watford Junction train station, which is about a 20-minute walk. You can either hop on a train from there to Watford High Street, or enjoy a walk through the town centre.

Coach Travel

Coaches will depart St Mary’s Stadium at 10.45am, Eastleigh at 11.00am, Winchester at 11.15am and Fleet at 11.45am

Downloadable Guide

Get more information on the trip to Vicarage Road with Carlsberg’s away guide by clicking here.

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Sourced from A tweet by Sure tweet

@Sure - Sure UK & Ireland

Ahead of #WATSOU we are giving away a signed by @FraserForster!

Reply with #NeverMoreSure and your score p… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/837676710002839552

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Sourced from Daily Echo article

Wilson asks for more time to ponder Saints future

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The frontrunner for Rangers’ director of football role, Saints’ head of scouting and recuitment Ross Wilson will make Ibrox chiefs wait a little longer for his answer.

The Light Blues have identified the St Mary’s man as the person they want to head up their new management structure.

Club insiders hoped to confirm the appointment of the 34-year-old - who started his career as a player liaison officer with Falkirk before roles at Watford and Huddersfield - on Friday.

But now it appears he has asked for more time to consider Gers’ offer.

Rangers are also close to naming a successor to former manager Mark Warburton, with surprise candidate Pedro Caixinha understood to be the favourite.

Managing director Stewart Robertson, head of football administration Andrew Dickson and director Graeme Park met with the Portuguese coach - currently in charge of Qatari outfit Al-Gharafa - in London last week.

And he has now jumped ahead of rival contenders Alex McLeish and Gary Rowett for the vacant position.

Chairman Dave King hopes to have talks concluded on both roles early next week, with Caixinha eager to be in position in time to face Celtic at Parkhead a week on Sunday.

However, Graeme Murty will remain in charge for Saturday’s William Hill Scottish Cup quarter-final against Hamilton.

The Under-20s boss was relieved to pick up his first Ladbrokes Premiership win on Wednesday night as the Ibrox side claimed a 3-2 triumph over St Johnstone.

Emerson Hyndman provided a stoppage-time winner - but only after Gers had thrown away a two-goal lead in the final 15 minutes.

Murty could barely hide his relief at full-time and midfielder Jon Toral praised the stand-in boss’ efforts during the chaotic fall-out that followed Warburton’s exit.

The Spaniard said: "It was massive for Graeme on Wednesday. He has put a lot of effort into the other games as well, he has really helped us and for us to give him that first league win was crucial.

"At the minute we are just thinking about the cup tie on Saturday and then whatever happens happens. It is not for us to talk about really because we are just focused on the weekend’s game.

“If a new manager has until the end of the season to work with the players and then to kick on next season it would be great for the club.”

Toral admitted he has to up his own game.

Like Bournemouth playmaker Hyndman, Arsenal midfielder Toral joined Rangers on loan in January, but while the American has hit the ground running Toral is yet to spark.

However, he has now been shifted to a holding role where he hopes to improve.

The 22-year-old said: "It has been tough for me coming in with everything that happened with the manager but I think that I have settled down all right.

"The last couple of games I have played in a different position than I am used to but if the manager asks me to do that then I will do it and try and help the team out as much I can.

"I knew it would be tough here, I knew I would need a few games to get match fit and I think every game that I have played I have felt better physically.

“Now I need to get used to this new position and try and help the team. The win on Wednesday personally really helps me with my confidence as well.”

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

“We need to build on it.”

Danny Butterfield wants #SaintsFCU18s to continue their good run of form against #LCFC: http://sfcne.ws/DBonLCFCU18s

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Sourced from talkSPORT article

Claude Puel under ‘no obligation’ to play short-term signing Martin Caceres and manager insists Uruguayan must earn first-team chance

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Claude Puel insists he is under “no obligation” to play big-money short-term signing Martin Caceres.

Saints signed free agent Caceres to plug the defensive gap left by Jose Fonte’s January move to West Ham and Virgil Van Dijk’s ankle injury.

The 29-year-old is yet to feature though, and could even turn out for the under-23s on Monday rather than face Watford on Saturday.

Caceres has signed a bumper contract until the end of the season but Saints manager Puel remains adamant the ex-Juventus centre back must earn his first-team chance.

“There’s no pressure for me, no obligation with any player,” said Puel. "Young players, experienced players - all my players are important.

“I try to put my best players on the pitch. For the first team for me it’s important to see good things.”

Saints face Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday in a desperately quiet month featuring just two fixtures.

After the Christmas feast comes a late-season famine to leave Southampton’s French boss Puel frustrated - but still intent on selecting his strongest line-up this weekend.

And if Caceres does not win favour at Watford then Puel admitted he may throw the new arrival into action for the under-23s.

“He improves step by step in every training session,” said Puel. "I don’t know if he can start the next game; perhaps we can see him with an opportunity to play for the under-23s against Chelsea on Monday.

“It’s perhaps a good opportunity for him to play a good official game against the good young players of Chelsea.”

While Puel has spent the first half of the campaign rotating his resources, he admitted that will now become more difficult.

“From the start of the season it was important to give people game time,” said Puel.

"Now we have two players competing for each place and that’s a good thing.

“But of course now it’s difficult to keep everyone in a good concentration and a good spirit.”

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 03/03/2017 16:10:17

|

| Watford v Southampton Correct Score Betting Tips - 04-03-2017KICKOFFCOUK |
| | Claude Puel tells Martin Caceres he must earn his place at SouthamptonBELFASTTELE |
| | Claude Puel tells Martin Caceres he must earn his place at SouthamptonBTSPORT |
| | Rangers Dream Team - Caixinha and Wilson?VITALFOOTBALL |

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Sourced from Optimus trousers’ RSS Feed rss feed

Read Southampton

New content from (- Read Southampton)

| Opposition form guide - Watford (A) | Southampton have been dealing with a lot of games this season, and inconsistency appears to have been the main issue … 03-03-2017 |

Older content…

| Caceres could feature for the under-23’s16 hours ago |
| Watford vs Southampton - Predicted Opposition XI16 hours ago |
| Watford v Southampton: Predicting the Saints2 days ago |
| Saints target set for summer exit from Chelsea2 days ago |
| Amer to rival CITIC in Saints takeover bid2 days ago |
| Puel lauds Gabbiadini’s footballing intelligence2 days ago |
| Southampton team news: Watford (A)2 days ago |
| Last time out - Watford vs Southampton2 days ago |
| Tony Xia held talks with Southampton regarding takeover2 days ago |

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Sourced from Daily Mail article

Watford v Southampton: Team news, kick-off time, odds and stats

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Ahead of this weekend’s Premier League action, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to know about every fixture, with team news, provisional squads, betting odds and Opta stats. Here is all the information you need for Watford’s home clash with Southampton.

Watford will be without Mauro Zarate but could have Daryl Janmaat and Costel Pantilimon available for Saturday’s Premier League home clash with Southampton.

Winger Zarate has been ruled out for the rest of the season by the knee injury that forced him off in the 1-1 draw with his former club West Ham at Vicarage Road last Saturday.

Defender Janmaat (groin), another to come off injured last weekend, is having his fitness checked ahead of potential involvement against the Saints, as is goalkeeper Pantilimon (ankle), who has been sidelined since the end of January.

Fraser Forster will be fit to start Southampton’s Premier League trip to Watford on Saturday.

The England goalkeeper appeared to battle a minor thigh issue in Southampton’s 3-2 EFL Cup final defeat to Manchester United, but boss Claude Puel has insisted he has not suffered any injury.

Charlie Austin remains sidelined with a shoulder problem, while Virgil Van Dijk continues to battle his ankle injury.

Watford have won one of their five Premier League clashes with the Saints (W1 D2 L2) - a 3-2 victory back in December 1999.

Southampton are unbeaten in six league games against the Hornets (W3 D3 L0), including three matches played in the Championship between 2009 and 2012.

Watford have only scored four goals in five previous Premier League meetings with Southampton and three of those were in the aforementioned win in December 1999; they have failed to score in three of their last four.

In the three Premier League games between these two sides since the start of last season, Watford have attempted just two shots on target in 270 minutes.

Watford had substitute Ben Watson sent off in the reverse fixture on the opening day of the 2016-17 season - the only time a sub has been sent off in the Premier League all season.

Southampton have already lost 11 games in the Premier League this season; the same number as in the whole of 2015-16.

Manolo Gabbiadini has scored five times in three appearances for Southampton since joining the club, including twice in the League Cup final. He could become the first Saints player to score in his first three Premier League appearances for the club.

Gabbiadini also scored in his final three competitive appearances for Napoli, so he’s now scored in six successive club appearances overall (eight goals).

Troy Deeney (104 goals) – who has scored four goals in his last five Premier League appearances – is just one goal away from becoming the joint-third highest goalscorer in Watford history alongside Cliff Holton (105 goals).

Southampton have lost five Premier League games that they have been leading in 2016-17, more than any other team. The last team to lose five-plus games after scoring first in a Premier League season were West Ham in 2013-14 (6) and the record in a single Premier League campaign is seven; set by Blackburn (1992-93), Southampton (1992-93) and Wolves (2011-12).

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Sourced from BBC article

Watford v Southampton

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Watford’s January signing Mauro Zarate is out for the season after suffering a serious knee injury against West Ham.

Costel Pantilimon could return from an ankle problem, and Daryl Janmaat’s groin injury will also be assessed.

Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster is expected to start after overcoming a minor thigh issue picked up in the EFL Cup final last Sunday.

Defender Martin Caceres awaits his Saints debut, while Virgil van Dijk is still sidelined with an ankle injury.

Steve Wilson: "This is the only Premier League game Southampton will play between 11 February and 19 March, so Claude Puel will be especially keen to see a points return from Vicarage Road. The Frenchman will also feel that he is due a slice of luck after Wembley.

"Walter Mazzarri’s Watford look destined for another creditable mid-table finish, but that’s unlikely to earn the Italian an invitation to stay a second season.

"Mazzarri is the eighth manager employed by the Pozzo family since their ownership of the club began in 2012, and has been wise enough not to invest too much time in learning English.

“A pat on the back and a pay-off is probably what Mazzarri expects in the summer. That is unless Watford should slump between now and May - in which case he can forget the pat on the back.”

Watford head coach Walter Mazzarri: "For sure Southampton played a great game [in the EFL Cup final] and maybe they are a bit disappointed because they could have gone at least to extra time, or even won the cup.

"We will see on Saturday if they will react or not, but nobody can know this.

“We got confirmation that they are a very well-organised team and a very strong team.”

Southampton manager Claude Puel on his side’s fixture schedule: "My biggest job now is to prepare the team for the difficulty of the calendar.

“We will play two games in a month after playing every three days since the beginning of the season. It’s crazy - crazy for us and difficult.”

Southampton were unlucky to lose at Wembley against Manchester United last weekend and now they can focus fully on the league.

But I don’t fancy them to get anything at Vicarage Road. This is a tough game to call but I am going to go with the Hornets.

SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale at the University of Salford that is used to predict the outcome of football matches.

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Get the latest news from the #WatfordFC camp, as Walter Mazzarri previews #SaintsFC’s #PL clash at Vicarage Road: http://sfcne.ws/OppViewWatford

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Jeff’s Super Six - 3rd March

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With £250,000 up for grabs in this season’s Soccer Saturday Super 6, Jeff Stelling gives you a helping hand with his tips and predictions.

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 03/03/2017 17:10:34

| | Cherries and Southampton want AkeVITALFOOTBALL |
|

| Stoke and Southampton listed as options for Premier League winning managerSPORTWITNESS |

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Read Southampton

New content from (- Read Southampton)

| Watford vs Southampton - Combined XI | Southampton will be looking to kick on off the back of their spirited EFL Cup final display on Sunday against … 03-03-2017 |

Older content…

| Opposition form guide - Watford (A)17 hours ago |
| Caceres could feature for the under-23’s17 hours ago |
| Watford vs Southampton - Predicted Opposition XI17 hours ago |
| Watford v Southampton: Predicting the Saints2 days ago |
| Saints target set for summer exit from Chelsea2 days ago |
| Amer to rival CITIC in Saints takeover bid2 days ago |
| Puel lauds Gabbiadini’s footballing intelligence2 days ago |
| Southampton team news: Watford (A)2 days ago |
| Last time out - Watford vs Southampton2 days ago |

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Sourced from Southampton FC - Official Site article

Opposition View: Watford

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A late Zlatan Ibrahimovic winner snatched the trophy from under Saints’ nose at Wembley last weekend, though Mazzarri believes that disappointment could spark a positive response from Claude Puel’s men.

“Southampton played a great game against Manchester United,” he explained during his pre-match press conference.

“Maybe they are a bit disappointed because they could have gone to extra-time and maybe won the cup.

“We will see tomorrow if they react or not, nobody can know this for sure. We have confirmation, though, that they are a well organised and very strong team.”

The Hornets will be without Argentine forward Mauro Zárate, who was stretchered off during last weekend’s 1-1 draw with West Ham, for Saturday’s fixture.

Scans have since confirmed that the 29-year-old has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and will miss the remainder of the season.

“I have spoken with him almost daily, and of course we are all very disappointed and very sorry,” Mazzarri continued.

“It’s his first big injury in his whole career, and he was playing very well. He is a very important player and he was playing his best moment in that game.

“He is a player that we will miss, but of course we will wait for him and we are sure that he will come back stronger than before.”

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Watford v Southampton preview: Fraser Forster passed fit for Saints

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Southampton will look to put the disappointment of their EFL Cup final defeat behind them when they travel to Watford on Saturday.

The Saints fell to a late Zlatan Ibrahimovic header at Wembley as Manchester United won 3-2 and now Claude Puel’s side need to focus on climbing the Premier League table, having lost six of their last eight games.

It’s a run of form which has seen them slip from seventh on Christmas Day to a current position of 13th.

The arrival of Manolo Gabbiadini has boosted the outlook for Southampton - he’s scored five goals in his three appearances and is already the club’s joint-second top goalscorer behind Charlie Austin.

After a sticky run of results, Watford have lost just one of their last six matches in the league but have only kept one clean sheet in their last 16 games.

Watford will be without Mauro Zarate but could have Daryl Janmaat and Costel Pantilimon available.

Winger Zarate has been ruled out for the rest of the season by the knee injury that forced him off in the 1-1 draw with his former club West Ham at Vicarage Road last Saturday.

Defender Janmaat (groin), another to come off injured last weekend, is having his fitness checked ahead of potential involvement against the Saints, as is goalkeeper Pantilimon (ankle), who has been sidelined since the end of January.

Fraser Forster will be fit to start for Southampton.

The England goalkeeper appeared to battle a minor thigh issue in the defeat to United, but boss Puel has insisted he has not suffered any injury.

Austin remains sidelined with a shoulder problem, while Virgil van Dijk continues to recover from his ankle injury.

Watford have won one of their five Premier League clashes with the Saints (W1 D2 L2) - a 3-2 victory back in December 1999.

Southampton are unbeaten in six league games against the Hornets (W3 D3 L0), including three matches played in the Championship between 2009 and 2012.

Watford have only scored four goals in five previous Premier League meetings with Southampton and three of those were in the aforementioned win in December 1999; they have failed to score in three of their last four.

In the three Premier League games between these two sides since the start of last season, Watford have attempted just two shots on target in 270 minutes.

Watford had substitute Ben Watson sent off in the reverse fixture on the opening day of the 2016/17 season - the only time a sub has been sent off in the Premier League all season.

Southampton have already lost 11 games in the Premier League this season; the same number as in the whole of 2015/16.

Gabbiadini has scored five times in three appearances for Southampton since joining the club, including twice in the EFL Cup final. He could become the first Saints player to score in his first three Premier League appearances for the club.

Gabbiadini also scored in his final three competitive appearances for Napoli, so he’s now scored in six successive club appearances overall (eight goals).

Troy Deeney (104 goals) - who has scored four goals in his last five Premier League appearances - is just one goal away from becoming the joint-fourth highest goalscorer in Watford history alongside Cliff Holton (105 goals).

Southampton have lost five Premier League games that they have been leading in 2016/17, more than any other team. The last team to lose five or more games after scoring first in a Premier League season were West Ham in 2013/14 (six) and the record in a single PL campaign is seven; set by Blackburn (1992/93), Southampton (1992/93) and Wolves (2011/12).

Southampton were very unlucky in the EFL Cup final last Sunday. They deserved extra time at least for their performance. This week, a lot will depend on how they bounce back from their Wembley disappointment. they’ll have to pick themselves up and dust themselves off but they can take a lot of positives for the way they performed against Manchester United.

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.

Southampton are Sky Bet’s 23/10 favourites with Watford 5/2 while the draw is an 11/5 chance. Manolo Gabbiadini is 4/1 to bag another brace and the same price at the head of the first goalscorer betting, with Troy Deeney considered the hosts’ main threat at 13/2 to net first.

Top-half finishes are considered the limit of both sides’ achievements this season, with the Saints 8/15 while their hosts are 9/2 chances.

There’s £250,000 up for grabs again this weekend for simply predicting the six correct scores. Enter your selections by 3pm here.

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Concentration will be key for #SaintsFC, as they return to #PL action: http://sfcne.ws/CPPreWFCA2

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Sourced from Optimus trousers summary article summary

Summary of non-mainstream articles: 03/03/2017 18:10:47

| | Watford aiming for top half but Deeney needs more help vs SouthamptonFOOTBALLLONDON |
| | 's Premier League preview: What will and won’t happen this weekendFOURFOURTWO |
| | Watford vs Southampton: Match preview, likely line-ups and score predictionTHEBOOTROOM |
| | Watford sweat on defender fitnessCLUBCALL |

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