Southampton make their return to the Championship on August 16 for the first time since the Spygate Scandal, when they open their campaign against Watford.

Watford Hoping For Settled Period Under Dionisi

The 2025-26 season was a disappointing one for Watford, as the Hornets got through three managers on their way to a 16th-place finish.

Another testing campaign could be likely following the departures of Giorgi Chakvetadze and Tom Dele-Bashiru. Patience will be required with new signings Iker Bravo, Martin Payero, and Omar Traore in their first Championship season.

Bravo did enjoy a reliable scoring return for Udinese last term with two goals in ten appearances. Any success will be built on their defensive solidity in 2026-27, having kept clean sheets in three of their previous four. Alessio Dionisi will have a fully fit squad available for his first home league match.

Watford predicted lineup vs Southampton (4-2-3-1): Ravaglia; Traore, Pollock, Keben, Bola; Kyprianou, Bove; Baah, Bravo, Mamma; Kjerrumgaard

Saints Playing Catch Up Following Points Deduction

Tonda Eckert’s Southampton will be in Championship action for the first time since the Spygate Scandal on Sunday. Since admitting guilt, the Saints start from a weak position this term after being handed a four-point deduction.

However, much of the same team that excelled last season remain intact, including striker Cyle Larin and Daniel Peretz, who both signed on permanent deals in June. Shea Charles is the notable departure, with the key midfielder joining EPL team Fulham.

Larin will be the team’s key attacking output, having netted eight goals last season. The Canadian made a scoring return to club action in the 2-0 win over Colchester last weekend. Eckert has a fully fit squad available.

Southampton predicted lineup vs Watford (4-2-3-1): Peretz; Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Manning; Downes, Matsuki; Fellows, Dobbin, Scienza; Larin

Watford vs Southampton Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Under 3.5 Goals
  • Odds: 1.36 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: N3DFK
  • Correct score prediction: Watford 0-1 Southampton

Key stats:

  • Five of Southampton’s last six fixtures saw no more than three goals scored.
  • Only one goal has been scored in each of Watford’s last three matches.
  • Five of the previous eight head-to-heads haven’t seen more than three goals.

A low-scoring start to the season at Vicarage Road is a standout selection after taking advantage of the 22Bet bonus of up to 122 $/€.

Watford’s matches under their new head coach have been cagey and low-scoring affairs, with each of the previous three seeing no more than one strike. They’ve only scored more than one in two of their last six.

Southampton will be anxious to get a win on the board to get back to zero points as quickly as possible, meaning a solid defensive display should be expected. They have kept clean sheets in two of their last six.

Over three goals have only been scored in three of the last head-to-head meetings between the clubs.

Watford vs Southampton Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Southampton to Win
  • Odds: 2.1 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: CU2FK

Southampton will be targeting a fast start to the season to overturn their points deduction. The Saints have been in strong recent form, winning four of their last five matches, including a professional 2-0 victory on the road, which saw them keep a second clean sheet in five.

Southampton also boast a dominant head-to-head record against Watford, winning three of the last four, and avoiding defeat in each of the previous seven.

Verdict: Under 3.5 Goals (1.36) — Watford 0-1 Southampton