Watford v Southampton Preview
Posted on | April 6, 2009 | No Comments
Watford may have now got to that 50 point mark but Brendan Rodgers will know that his side probably need an extra win to guarantee their safety in this division. It’s a completely different story for Southampton though, with Saints in severe financial difficulties and in grave danger of dropping out of the league as three points separate them from safety.
There’s no doubt that it’s been a hugely disappointing season for Watford considering last year’s play off finish, but all in all the Hornets hierarchy won’t be too displeased with the way things have finally panned out. Aidy Boothroyd left the club in the early part of the season and with crippling finances meaning that some of their prized assets have forced to be sold, it hasn’t been the most stable season for the Vicarage Road outfit. However, Brendan Rodgers’ arrival seems to have at least steadied the ship and a club that were down in the relegation zone at one stage of the season now like comfortably staying up. Really though, it’s been their form in the last few weeks that has kept them afloat. The Hornets have won six out of their last ten games and with such a statistic; they thoroughly deserve to be applying their trade in this division next season.
Southampton could only dream of being in such a position and Saints supporters really must fear the worst now. The Football League still have to make a decision over their future, which could mean that the St Mary’s side incur a ten point penalty which will almost certainly take them down. However, even without the penalty, times are hard. They’re stuck in 23rd position and with just five games left, they’re three points adrift of safety. A few weeks ago their form was relatively good but having failed to win in their last five, the pressure really is on and huge improvement is required if the Hampshire side are to remain in this league.
Watford could have plenty of problems heading into this one as Brendan Rodgers sweats on the fitness of Don Cowie, Danny Rose and Tamas Priskin. With Grzegorz Rasiak ineligible due to the terms of his loan agreement, it’s fair to say that Rodgers will have a selection headache. Southampton are in a much healthier position on the team news front with Lloyd James and Bradley Wright-Phillips both tipped to come in. James is returning from suspension, while Wright-Phillips’ goal at the weekend is helping his claim for a starting place.
Watford may be in much better form that Saints, but we think the visitors could pull something of a surprise result here. Everyone feels that Mark Wotte’s men are all but down so with that, we think they’ll bounce back and record a tight 2-1 victory.
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