As Quique Sanchez Flores' Watford side prepare to face a Southampton side that have had their struggles this season, VAVEL UK sit down with Saints fan and writer George Galpin for his thoughts on the upcoming game at St Mary's.
Southampton have had a very up-and-down season, what do you think Ronald Koeman needs to do to bring about some consistency?
Ronald Koeman has tried changing formation, personnel, strategies; there’s not been much he hasn’t tried, in fairness. When it comes off like it did against Arsenal it really works, but a lot of the problems stem from things he can’t control: defensive mistakes and not taking chances, for example.
What is a realistic aim for Southampton this season? Is it a case of finishing in the top six or is that a bridge too far?
That’s very unrealistic, if I’m honest. Many would have aimed for top half with a cup run, European or domestic; now it’s about finishing midtable and getting out of the current run of horrendous form.
Which players have impressed you for Saints this season, and which ones do you think need to improve in the latter half of the campaign?
Not many have really impressed, if I’m honest. Steven Davis I would say has played well this season in spells, ditto Ryan Bertrand and new signing Virgil Van Dijk, but most of the team could really do with improving on their performances in the second half of the season. Eradicating silly mistakes, especially defensively, would be a really good start.
What have you made of Watford this season and where do you think they can finish in the league table?
I’ve been impressed by Watford. I had the view at the start of the season they were the best of the promoted teams, but they’ve certainly been much better than I thought. Keeping up their current run may be tricky, but a lower midtable finish would be a really good achievement in their first season.
Who do you consider as the biggest Watford threat to Southampton taking all three points on Wednesday afternoon?
As ever, the two strikers. Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo have caused all sorts of problems, and against a defence capable of falling asleep at the worst times, they will be really looking forward to Wednesday night I’d imagine.
How do you think Koeman will approach the game? Watford have been hard to break down this season but also prolific going forward. Will it be a case of finding the right balance?
I think it’s all about getting that first goal and drawing Watford out, forcing them to take the initiative. If Watford open the scoring, getting anything from the game will become much, much more difficult.
Finally, what is your score prediction for the game?
Saints are really struggling for form; up against two in-form strikers, that could continue. 0-2 Watford.
