Expect Watford to line up in a compact 4-2-3-1, looking to stay solid and hit on the break. Their full-backs will be cautious, wary of Southampton's wide runners. The double pivot will sit deep, trying to screen the back four and force the Saints wide. But that approach can leave them passive, inviting pressure and relying on moments of individual brilliance rather than sustained control.

Southampton, under their current coaching staff, are likely to press high and dominate possession. Their usual shape is a 4-3-3, with the full-backs pushing high and the wingers cutting inside to create overloads in the half-spaces. The midfield trio will look to control the tempo, with the number eight breaking late into the box. This is a side that wants to play through the lines, not around them. At Vicarage Road, they will not be intimidated — they will see this as a chance to impose their football.

The key battle will be in midfield. If Southampton's press forces Watford into long balls, the Saints' centre-backs will gobble up the second balls. If Watford can bypass that press with quick, vertical passes, they might catch Southampton's high line out. But that's a big if. The Saints' pressing trap is well-drilled, and Watford's lack of a creative number ten could leave them resorting to hopeful punts upfield.