Southampton Preview - Away, September 1

HAVING RECORDED their first home win of the season, Watford are back on the road for the sternest test yet of their away record.

The 'Orns head South to face Nigel Adkins in-form Southampton side who currently top the Championship table.

It's been an excellent first year or so in charge of the Saints for former Scunthorpe boss Adkins who helped the club romp to promotion for League One before enjoying a blistering start to the current campaign.

A comfortable 3-1 over Leeds on day one set the Saints up nicely winning their next three at home conceding just four goals in the process.

On the road Adkins' men have been slightly more fallible with two defeats in their five games away from St Mary's.

What has perhaps been important in the Saints' impressive start is that fact that only four players have been added over the summer, with three of those on a permanent basis.

Jack Cork penned signed for an undisclosed fee from Chelseah having previously been on loan at St Mary's. The former Watford loanee impressed once more on loan at Burnley last season before leaving Stamford Bridge for good. A classy passer withg great vision, Cork has been ever-present this season.

Another experienced Championship performer arrvied in the shape of Burnley left-back, Danny Fox. The former Celtic, Coventry and Walsall defender is a decent set-piece taker to boot and has seamlessly taken over from Dan Harding at left-back.

Of course the major loss this summer for the Saints was that of £15m man, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who joined Arsenal.

With regards to injuries, Adkins will make late calls on Raidhi Jaidi, Dan Harding and Lee Barnard.

Watford have no injuries aside from Stephen McGinn (knee), so look likely to name the same side that beat Millwall with Scott Loach benched once more.

Probable Teams:

Southampton: Davis; Richardson, Hooiveld, Fonte, Fox; Lallana, Cork, Schneiderlin, Cork, Do Prado; Lambert & Connolly.

Watford: Gilmartin; Doyley, Mariappa, Taylor, Dickinson; Yeates, Eustace (c), Hogg, Forsyth; Sordell & Garner.

Match Officials: (R) Mr C Boyeson (AR's) Mr J Amey & Mr R Martin (4th) Mr A Slaughter

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