Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has issued his prediction for Southampton’s clash against Watford this weekend.
As Leicester City, Leeds United and Ipswich Town all slipped up in midweek, Southampton clinched a 2-1 victory over Coventry City at St Mary’s.
Although the damage is probably already done in the Saints’ pursuit of automatic promotion, if Russell Martin‘s men win their two games in hand, they will go four points behind second-place Ipswich Town.
It means that, while there is still a huge mountain to climb to avoid a gruelling play-off campaign, Southampton can take solace in knowing they’ve got Leicester and Leeds still to play.
After ending their three-match winless run against the Sky Blues thanks to a Che Adams double, the South Coasters must follow that up at home to Watford.
Under the tutelage of Tom Cleverley, the Hornets have secured draws against Carlos Corberan’s West Brom, Daniel Farke’s Leeds and Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich.
Now, they’re looking to add Southamptom to the list of promotion chasers they’ve taken points off.
David Prutton issues score prediction for Southampton vs Watford
There is an acceptance from many that Southampton will have to settle for the play-offs, but if they can win consecutive home matches, further pressure will be piled on their promotion rivals.
The South Coasters have a strong record against Watford, going unbeaten in nine of their last 10 matches.
That perhaps played a part in David Prutton’s prediction for the match as he believes the Saints will follow up their win over Coventry with another three points on Saturday, however, he does believe it is a tough match to call.
“‘This will be a tough one you know; he’s [Tom Cleverley] has come up against Corberan, Daniel Farke and Kieran McKenna so far Tom Cleverley and not lost, so will he do the same against Russell Martin? No. Southampton to win 2-1,” Prutton told the Sky Sports Championship prediction podcast.
Southampton have to focus on themselves
It would be easy for Southampton to get carried away by their promotion rivals dropping points, but why they’ve dropped off in the race for the top two is down to their disappointing performances.
The Saints have struggled for consistency since their record-breaking 24-match unbeaten run and that hasn’t been good enough.
Martin’s men must play like they did in the first half against Coventry, where they looked electric in attack and then Watford could struggle to live with their firepower.
Southampton must build up a head of steam as it’s looking likely they’ll finish in the play-offs at this stage, and whoever normally comes into it in good form stands the best chance.