a time when they have not lost a game since September 23, Russell Martin and his Southampton side would probably prefer to continue with their Championship schedule.
Last weekend, the Saints again impressed to record a 3-1 victory at Swansea City, that result proving important as Leicester City and Ipswich Town played out a 1-1 draw two days later.
Southampton are now within eight points of the leaders with 18 games remaining, momentum growing that they can eventually chase down a Leicester side that are beginning to show frailties.
Their away form has been an issue with just two wins being posted in six such fixtures in the Championship, yet consistently avoiding defeat on their travels means that it is a record that should be applauded.
Martin’s side earned their place in the last 32 of this competition with a 4-0 victory over Walsall at St Mary’s, the start of a three-game run where they have netted 11 goals.
Watford made more of a meal of coming through their tie against lower-level opposition, needing to overturn a deficit to beat National League side Chesterfield by a 2-1 scoreline.
That performance and near-miss had the potential to take the wind from Watford’s sails, yet they have responded by collecting four points from their following two league games
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After recording a 2-1 triumph away at Queens Park Rangers, the Hornets travelled to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City and came away with a 1-1 draw.
Such a return has kept Valerien Ismael’s side within five points of fifth-placed West Bromwich Albion, ensuring that a playoff bid remains very much alive heading into the second half of the season.
The corresponding league fixture took place as recently as December 9, Watford scoring a last-gasp equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw.
