Southampton vs Watford Prediction & Betting Tips - Championship

Prediction published on 11/04/2024, 09:00  by Ian John | Modified on 13/04/2024 at 02:00 in Championship Prediction

Southampton face Watford in a 3pm Kick off in the Championship on Saturday knowing that they are almost certainly assured of a playoff spot, and given that they still have Leicester and Leeds to play, they could still force their way into the automatic promotion fight if they can win their remaining games from here. Russell Martin's team enjoyed a long unbeaten spell in the middle of the season but their form of late has been more inconsistent, both at home and on the road. But despite four defeats in their last ten games, they have lost just eight games this season and have still scored goals. With just one defeat in their last six games, Southampton look assured of the playoffs and a chance to earn a shot at a Premier League place next season. They warmed up for this game with a 2-1 win over Coventry City in midweek at St. Marys.

Watford's 0-0 draw against Ipswich on Wednesday was more notable in that it prevented their opponents going top of the table, but it was also the Hornets fifth game unbeaten, albeit the last four of those matches all finishing in draws. Watford are the draw specialists in this division, with 16 of their 42 games finishing all square, the joint-most in the division along with Huddersfield. Interim head coach Tom Cleverley has found it hard to win games since taking over from Valerien Ismael in March, winning one of six games, losing one and drawing the most recent four. However, a longer term view reveals Waford have won two, drawn five and lost six of their last 13 games in the Championship, which is a disappointing trend for a team expected to challenge for the playoffs.