Southampton - Watford predictions and free betting tips [06/02/2024]

On Tuesday, 6th February in the round of 32 return leg of the FA Cup, Southampton will host Watford on their home turf. Over the past weekend, the Saints extended their impressive unbeaten streak against Rotherham United, while the Hornets lost unexpectedly to Cardiff in Hertfordshire.

Probable Lineup

Southampton: Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Stephens, Harwood-Bellis, Manning; Downes, Rothwell, Charles; Brooks, Mara, Fraser.
Watford: Hamer; Andrews, Pollock, Hoedt, Lewis; Livermore, Kone, Chakvetadze, Asprilla; Dennis, Rajovic.

Stadium

The match will be held at St. Mary's Stadium in Southampton.

Southampton

Southampton kicked off their FA Cup campaign with a comfortable 4:0 win over Walsall, followed by a 1:1 draw with Watford in the round of 32, prompting a rematch – this time at home. Relegated from the Premier League last summer, the Saints aim to make a comeback into the top tier. Their ambitions are realistic, given that they currently sit in 2nd place in the Championship standings. The team has remained unbeaten in domestic competition since September, exuding confidence.

After a split decision with Norwich (1:1), the Saints successively overpowered Sheffield Wednesday (4:0), Swansea (1:3) and Rotherham last weekend (0:2). Central Defender Bednarek got the ball rolling in the fourth minute, while Adam Armstrong scored his 15th goal of the season before half-time. Note that the red and whites rank only fifth in the Championship in terms of points gained on home ground (32 in 14 games). 

Watford

In the first round of the FA Cup, Watford barely overcame National League side Chesterfield (2:1). The Hornets failed to take advantage of home support and drew with Southampton (1:1). In the Championship, the Hornets sit in 11th place in the table, 4 points off the 6th spot, which grants the right to play-off participation. Recently, Watford's form has dipped, with only one victory, four draws and two defeats in their last seven matches.

Over the weekend, the Hornets disappointed their fans again by losing at home to Cardiff (0:1), with Josh Bowler's strike proving decisive. Coach Valerien Ismael's team has never won the FA Cup, but they came close in the 2018-19 season, reaching the final only to lose to Manchester City. 

Head-to-Head

The last three encounters between Watford and Southampton all ended in draws.

Predictions for Southampton vs. Watford Match

Having home-field advantage and determined to extend their unbeaten streak to 24 games on Tuesday, Southampton is the favourite for this match. Over the past few weeks, Watford has not been in their best form, failing to clinch a victory in their last four matches and currently sitting mid-table in the Championship. Even at Vicarage Road, the Saints dictated the pace and had the upper hand – now the yellow and orange outfit will have even fewer chances. My prediction is a win for the favorite.

Total Predictions

In their last five matches, Southampton has netted 14 goals, while the visiting team doesn't have a particularly robust defence. A safe bet would be on Southampton's individual total of over 1.5 goals.

Corners Prediction

Southampton will dominate ball possession from the outset and throughout the 90 minutes. The Saints should come out on top in all key metrics, including corners (handicap -1.5).

Yellow Cards Prediction

Both teams average around 2.5 yellow cards per match. With neither side willing to back down, we can expect a fierce contest on the field. A bet on over 4.5 yellow cards in total for the match seems a safe one.

Score Prediction

My bet is on a precise score of 2:1 in favour of Southampton.