We don't have confirmed lineups or formations from the brief, but we can paint the picture from what we know. Watford, at home, will likely set up in a compact 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3, looking to press high and feed their wide men. They'll want to use the energy of the Vicarage Road crowd to force early errors. But Southampton are a side that thrives on exactly that kind of game. Expect Russell Martin's men — if he's still in charge, and the brief doesn't say otherwise — to sit in a mid-block, stay patient, and hit on the break. They have the quality in midfield to bypass the press with one or two quick passes.

The key battle will be in the middle of the park. Watford's double pivot will have to cope with Southampton's ability to overload the half-spaces. If the Saints can get their number tens on the ball between the lines, Watford's back four will be dragged out of shape. On the flip side, Watford's best chance comes from set-pieces and second balls — they'll look to make it scrappy. But Southampton are used to that. They've been the away team in this league plenty of times, and they know how to soak up pressure and land a sucker punch.