Bitesize Prediction: Watford vs Southampton – 28/01/24

Competition: FA Cup

Market: Both teams to score

Odds: 4/6 @ Pribet

In an all-Championship FA Cup showdown on Sunday Watford will welcome Southampton to Vicarage Road for what could be a lively affair.

Starting with the hosts, while some in Watford’s camp might still have their sights set on pinching a Championship play-off ticket this season, the Hornets are seeking some recent stability. Although Valerien Ismael’s side might have extended on their FA Cup adventure earlier in the month as they secured a comeback 2-1 victory against National League outfit Chesterfield, the one-time West Brom boss has seen his squad win just a pair of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Last seen having to settle for a 1-1 stalemate away at Bristol City, Watford will also be concerned by their recent issues on home soil. Including a 2-1 defeat at the hands of promotion hopefuls Ipswich last month, the Hornets have failed to win any of their last four Championship showdowns in front of their own supporters. However, gaining a reputation for their lively outcomes, it should be highlighted that Ismael’s men have seen all of their previous six appearances at Vicarage Road finish with both teams getting on the scoresheet.

As for the visitors, while Southampton might have lost their Premier League status last season, the Saints are dreaming of the chance to book an immediate top-flight return. Last seen putting in another thumping display as they secured a 3-1 romp away at Swansea, Russell Martin’s side are in the midst of a record-breaking purple patch. Signing off 2023 with a 2-1 victory against Plymouth, the Saints are remarkably unbeaten in all of their last 21 straight appearances across all competitions – a run that stems all the way back to a 2-1 defeat against Middlesborough back on September 23rd. Really impressing with their free-scoring performances in the final third, neutrals could be treated to another action-packed affair this weekend. It should be highlighted, with Southampton seeing six of their last seven contests away from St. Mary’s finish with both teams finding the net, we are expecting a similar outcome from Vicarage Road on Sunday afternoon.

Bet: Both teams to score at Watford vs Southampton 4/6 for Sunday’s FA Cup tie @ Pribet