Southampton FC predicted team lineup vs Watford

A win over Watford this afternoon would see Saints cut the gap to the league leaders down to just seven points while possessing a game in hand over the Foxes.

Beating Watford will not be an easy task. Tom Cleverley's side have only lost one of five games since he has taken interim charge.

They've recorded draws against Leeds United and more recently Ipswich Town during that time.

Here is how we expect Saints to lineup at St Mary's...

Goalkeeper and defenders

Gavin Bazunu has started every Championship game this season and will not lose his spot between the sticks.

James Bree impressed on Tuesday evening and should keep his spot at right-back, allowing Kyle Walker-Peters to continue on the left.

Martin has a tough decision to make at centre-back with Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jack Stephens and Jan Bednarek all fit and firing.

We predict that he will opt to keep Harwood-Bellis and Stephens after their midweek showing.

Jack Stephens (Image: Stuart Martin)

Midfielders

Flynn Downes is instrumental for Southampton in midfield and has to start every game between now and the end of the season.

Scotland international Stuart Armstrong should be fit to start and will play alongside Joe Aribo, who was incredible against Coventry.

Joe Aribo (Image: Stuart Martin)

Forwards

Top goalscorer Adam Armstrong has been at his best when playing out wide and should start on the right.

That would allow Che Adams to play through the middle, as he did against Coventry, against whom he scored twice. 

Che Adams (Image: PA)

Martin has a plethora of options on the left. Ryan Fraser has been the most consistent this term and could cause the Hornets problems.

Full predicted lineup:

Bazunu; Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Walker-Peters; Downes, Aribo, S Armstrong; A Armstrong, Fraser, Adams.