Ahead of the upcoming Premier League game agaisnt Watford, Saints fan Dan Jarvis, 27, places himself In the Dugout.

How long have you been a Saints fan?

I attended my first home game in 1997 and I've barely missed one since! I’ve been a season ticket holder since then.

Pre-match thoughts on Watford?

Apprehension is my overriding feeling!

Considering we have to face four of the so called 'top six' teams prior to Christmas, not to mention three potential relegation six-pointers away at Fulham, Cardiff and Huddersfield respectively, nothing less than a win will do.

However, this will be no guarantee considering our abysmal home record, dropping points already having faced the likes of Burnley, Brighton, Leicester and Newcastle.

Watford are an inconsistent outfit to say the least, although they currently sit in a respectable eighth position due to an outstanding start, winning their first four games and notching up the impressive scalp of Spurs at Vicarage Road.

More recently though, results have been less encouraging, the Hornets suffering a demoralising 4-0 thrashing at home to Bournemouth, whilst also being on the wrong side of Newcastle's first victory of the season last time out.

Hopefully Saints' struggling forwards can take advantage of a relatively weak defence but Ryan Bertrand and co will have to be equally on their heels due to the talent possessed up front by the Hertfordshire based side.

Tricky ex-Barcelona winger Gerard Deulofeu can be tough to handle, whilst teammate and attacking midfielder Roberto Pereyra has a penchant for lighting up games with extraordinary goals.

Abdoulaye Doucoure, he of the infamous hand ball goal that denied Saints’ maximum points away to Watford at the start of the year, is a physical presence who is able to impose his will on matches.

The same can be said for forward Troy Deeney.

It goes without saying that our centre backs have been poor of late and although the might of Man City will not have to be contested this week, Deeney can bully opposing players if not thwarted.

Daily Echo:

Saints fan Dan Jarvis

How would you set the side up for the weekend?

With it being a home fixture against an out of form side, it is imperative that we are on the front foot from the get-go and look to secure all three points in a game where, historically, fans would be relatively optimistic of Saints doing so.

My team in full would be: McCarthy, Cedric, Stephens, Yoshida, Bertrand, Hojbjerg, Lemina, Redmond, Armstrong, Ings, Gabbiadini

Defensively, although I agree that constant change destroys potential cohesion, I think Wesley Hoedt’s inconsistent performances and habit of making mistakes (two own goals, one at Liverpool, one at Man City) warrant a spell on the bench and the fact that he has started every game under Mark Hughes’ stewardship is hard to fathom.

In his place, I would like to see the return of long time servant Maya Yoshida, a player much improved in recent seasons. Although he lacks minutes in terms of this season, he brings experience and leadership, something that we severely lack in my opinion.

I would also persist with Jack Stephens who has been impressive following his reintroduction to the side. He may lack the aerial prowess of Vestergaard/Hoedt but he makes up for this in terms of commitment/heart.

This brings me onto the midfield and, arguably our player of the season so far, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. After his sending off for what was a shameful dive at home to Leicester, he has responded magnificently, putting in consistent all action displays in the Saints’ engine room.

Nothing against Ryan Bertrand who has been a stalwart at left back over the years, but I feel as though he lacks vocal credentials to be an adequate captain.

In addition, Pierre is often the one to face up to the media post game and his exemplary attitude, coupled with his age and on-field displays should award him serious consideration for the role of team captain in the coming weeks.

In the attacking third, Redmond has been one of few bright spots throughout this so far torrid season.

It was well documented that he sought extra personal training in the United States prior to the season commencing and this has clearly paid dividends as he has been a revelation.

In the summer, the signing of playmaker Stuart Armstrong was the one that excited me most, especially after he put in some promising displays during the pre-season.

I can’t understand why he hasn’t been given more opportunities in a side that lacks quality in front of goal.

The departure of Dusan Tadic has left a big hole in the side, with his goals and assists sorely missed, heightened more so by the fact that Mo Elyounoussi has found it hard to hit the ground running.

Onto forwards and personally, I’d swap Shane Long for Manolo Gabbiadini.

As much as I like Shane and appreciate his work rate, he’s simply not clinical enough for a striker, squandering another two decent chances at the Etihad.

I’m a fan of Gabbi, his movement is brilliant and he’s a proven finisher, a trait that I believe is hard to lose entirely.

I think the main issue has been service for him and hopefully with Armstrong just behind the front two, his creativity can play to Manolo’s strengths and allow Danny Ings to play a more prominent role in the box, rather than having to drop deep on a regular basis.

Who is it big game for and why?

I don’t think there’s any getting away from the fact that this game is huge for the future of manager Mark Hughes.

There were whisperings that he would face the axe following a stalemate at home to lowly Newcastle and the manner of defeat in Manchester won’t have helped his cause.

Although I don’t think that all of the blame can be placed onto the Welshman, it is usually the manager who suffers when results are poor.

It’s massive also for the squad as a whole and how the rest of the season is going to pan out, especially when considering the upcoming fixtures as referred to earlier.

In terms of individuals in the team, I feel as though it’s a great opportunity for Danny Ings to regain his form.

What do you think the reason behind Saints’ poor form at St Mary’s is?

The pressure seems to be off away from home, the team are more comfortable expressing themselves, even if the majority of results don’t reflect this.

There’s been a volatile atmosphere in the stands for a good couple of seasons now, somewhat understandably given the woeful record in this time.

However, I’ll always recall the days at The Dell, fans tight to the pitch and forever raucous.

This atmosphere made such a difference and teams, regardless of stature hated visiting and home supporters always believed in the possibility of securing the three points.

Hopefully it is a case of a throwback to better times this weekend and with a tremendous backing, supporters can roar the team onto victory. COYR!

If you want the chance to have your say ahead of a game, contact dan.sheldon@dailyecho.co.uk