Southampton target Watford’s midfield gaps as Dionisi finds his feet | OneFootball

Southampton open at Vicarage Road on Sunday, a 1:30pm kick-off live on Sky. The timing looks kind, with Watford still bedding in.

According to Sainstmarching.com, new head coach Alessio Dionisi wants his side compact, yet there is too much space between striker, wingers and midfield. Those gaps in the middle third suit Flynn Downes and company.

The mood is complicated by transfer noise. Watford are bracing for the sale of Nestory Irankunda, who is having his medical at Sporting, so Dionisi will almost certainly lose a lively attacker before action begins.

This is where Saints can strike. Press high, squeeze the lines, and a team still learning its spacing could struggle to play out.

Width matters too. Cyle Larin leads the line in form after his cameo at Colchester, and quick deliveries from wide could drag a new-look back line around. Divin Mubama, the loan striker from Manchester City, gives Eckert bench firepower.

Bookmakers’ popular call is 2-0 to Southampton. With a four-point deduction, they cannot afford a slow start, and a beatable opening opponent feels like a gift.

The away end is already sold out for the trip up the M3, backing that belief. Nothing is won on paper, though, and an opening day under a new coach can sting. Score first and Southampton could make a statement.

Source: Sainstmarching.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”