Unavailable:
Southampton – Gardoş, Rodriguez, Wanyama
Watford – Ekstrand, Aké
“It makes the direction for the rest of the
season. Can be positive, can be negative,” said Ronald Koeman in his pre-match
press conference, bearing a wry smile. The Dutchman had been asked whether the
two matches against Watford and West Brom would define the remainder of his
side’s season, and the Southampton boss was not afraid to express the
importance of the upcoming games at St Mary’s only a few days apart. Saints lie
slap bang in the middle of the table – seven points below seventh place, and
seven points above the relegation zone. At least one win from the next two
games would be necessary to recreate positive thinking, while anything less
would leave Koeman remaining anxious.
The league is now all Saints have to fight
for after a drab exit from the FA Cup on Saturday, when the hosts only attacked
with any vigour in the dying embers of the game. Controlled possession was what
Koeman ordered from his charges with a 5-3-2 formation, yet they were unable to
penetrate the Palace backline who were unmistakably comfortable throughout.
When the Dutchman employed this formation last season, his side played with
flare and a real spark, however when used this term, it has merely inspired an
approach that lacks any zeal, and results in a blunt attack. Saints were at
least somewhat more responsive in the second period as Koeman reverted to the
standard 4-2-3-1 that has usually served the team well since its return to the
Premier League.
Yet perhaps, Southampton could learn from
Quique Sánchez Flores’ tactical outlook that has seen Watford defy the
pre-season doubters to become undoubted top-half contenders. The Spaniard has
ignored the continental approach which is now imprinted within the Premier
League, in favour of a 4-4-2 that has become unfashionable in recent years. Many
have commented on the work of Troy Deeney and the ineffable goalscoring form of
Odion Ighalo, yet the rebirth of a left/right midfielder as opposed to “wingers”
has also been a refreshing experience when watching the Hornets this season. Often,
when a team plays three up front, it restricts their width, as the widemen
often cut in to support the lone striker (à la Jason Puncheon), but in a 4-4-2,
two frontmen occupy the centre-backs, leaving the left and right midfielders with
the freedom to attack the flanks.
Saints will have to be aware of that threat,
but they will be boosted by the return of Fraser Forster to the squad, who will
make his comeback far ahead of schedule. The England international has excellent
command of his box, and enjoyed a stellar first season at St Mary’s before his
untimely injury. Maarten Stekelenburg has been a reliable presence between the
posts, however his shot stopping has flattered to deceive as illustrated by his
poor parry that directly led to Wilfried Zaha’s goal on Saturday. Forster’s
presence could settle some of the unrest which is apparent in the team, and the
positive effect of a solid back five should filter through to the offensive
players in the final third.
Key
Battles
Fonte/Van
Dijk v Ighalo/Deeney: The two Watford forwards will trouble José Fonte and
Virgil van Dijk with their speed and tenacity, and the Saints centre-back duo
will have to keep their eye on both strikers. This campaign, Deeney has
habitually put in the hard running for Ighalo to reap the rewards, yet if Fonte
and Van Dijk merely concentrate on one, the other will run in behind. Ighalo
will typically linger on the shoulder therefore it will also be vital that
there is good communication between the centre-backs and full-backs.
Romeu v
Capoue: Étienne
Capoue was one of a number of players tipped to be a great success in the
flurry of incoming players to Spurs in the aftermath of Gareth Bale’s
departure, however it wasn’t to be for the French midfielder at White Hart
Lane. Yet it has been a different story at Vicarage Road, as he has earned rave
reviews with some powerful performances. The visitors will be outnumbered in
central midfield though, and the Frenchman should have an interesting battle
with Oriol Romeu who is getting the run in the team that he so richly deserves.
His performance with Jordy Clasie was the most heartening element of Saturday’s
loss to Palace, and he will hope to continue that form on Wednesday night.
Possible
Line-ups
Southampton: Stekelenburg –
Soares, Fonte (C), Van Dijk, Bertrand – Clasie, Romeu – Mané, S. Davis, Tadić –
Pellè
Forster, Yoshida, Long, Martina, Ward-Prowse,
Reed, Juanmi
Watford:
Gomes
– Nyom, Cathcart, Britos, Holebas – Abdi, Capoue, Watson, Jurado – Ighalo,
Deeney (C)
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