The view from the St Mary's Stadim
(Picture - Zimbio)
After what feels like a decade, the 2016/17 Premier League season kicks off this weekend and Watford face the tricky prospect of a trip to the St Mary's Stadium.
The Hornets take on Claude Puel's Southampton in their first match of the Premier League season and Walter Mazzarri will surely be hoping to take some points from this fixture, with matches against Chelsea and Arsenal coming up.
Watford's last trip to the St Mary's Stadium resulted in a 2-0 defeat, with Shane Long and Dusan Tadic scoring the goals back in January.
Ahead of this weekend's game I caught up with Dan from The Southampton Hub, in order to profile Saturday's opponents and to hear his view on Watford.
Here's what he had to say:
The Watford Blog - It's been another busy summer down at Southampton. How are you feeling about the new season?
"Positive. We've made some great signings in Nathan Redmond and Pierre Emille Højbjerg. We've also signed Alex McCarthy and Jeremey Pied who will be reserves in their positions. Mane, Pellè and Wanyama's shoes will be big ones to fill but everyone's very excited, especially for the Europa League campaign!"
TWB - It must have been a big blow to lose Ronald Koeman this summer. How badly will he be missed at the St Mary's Stadium?
"I'll be frank, it was a big shock to everyone, especially because he went to a club that finished six places below us in the league last year having promised to stay at Southampton. I don't know what happened behind the scenes but it would've been nice to see him stay for another year until his contract expired. He will be missed secretly but is now seen as a bit of an enemy to be honest!"
TWB - Claude Puel is the new manager at Southampton. What are your thoughts on him?
"I like him. He has a great track record in Europe which is what we need and I've enjoyed the football played in the friendlies I've seen. His lack of experience in other leagues is a negative but I'm sure he'll settle soon enough into the new season."
TWB - Would you say the likes of Sadio Mane and Victor Wanyama have been replaced this summer? What are your thoughts on the business Southampton have made so far in the transfer window?
"That's a tough one! At the moment you would think that Redmond will replace Mane and Højbjerg Wanyama. They are big shoes to fill but both are very young and have shown promise. I mean Højbjerg must be good coming from Bayern Munich!"
TWB - Key player for Southampton ahead of Saturday's game?
"Virgil Van Dijk. Everyone loves him down on the south coast and he is so crucial. He was down for a minute in our final friendly against Athletic Bilbao and everyone was so nervous that he would be out. I also think Højbjerg could be essential but if I had to choose one it would be Virgil."
TWB - Thoughts on Watford? Do you think we can retain our Premier League status for a second successive season?
"I like Watford and hoped that they would stay up last season. I do think they will stay up but I don't know if they can improve on last season's finish. From what I know of the transfers made, some good players have been brought in, Isaac Success for example."
TWB - One Watford player you'd like to see in a Southampton shirt?
"Success. I don't think he would make it as a first choice striker but he would definitely bag goals coming off
the bench or when starting in cup games."
TWB - Score prediction?
"2-1 Saints. Sorry but I think that we'll edge through. I can see a draw being highly possible and wouldn't mind a point but we have the home advantage and the game is basically sold out."
Thanks to Dan for answering my questions and good luck for the rest of the season!!!