New Watford boss Rob Edwards has found life difficult in his new role with the club so far, having won just one of his four pre-season outings to date.
League One opposition in the form of Cambridge United and Bolton Wanderers have already beaten the Hornets during the off-season, which came either side of a goalless draw with Greek outfit Panathinaikos.
However, those poor summer preparations were quickly improved with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers last Saturday, which coincided with the returns of star duo Ismaila Sarrand Emmanuel Dennis.
The former had previously been restricted to only a substitute appearances against Bolton, whilst the latter had not featured during pre-season at all up to this point, with both not taking part in the summer training camp away.
Both are being heavily linked with moves away from Vicarage Road this summer, but Edwards has not ruled out either unexpectedly remaining at the club to play a part in their potential push for an immediate return to the Premier League.
Watford begin their quest with an opener against Sheffield United on August 1, and Edwards will be looking to make it successive wins to conclude their summer on a high note here.
Meanwhile, the visitors have contested just the two pre-season friendlies so far this summer, with the top flight kicking off its season a week later than the EFL.
The Saints will travel to Tottenham Hotspur in a tough season opener on August 6, but before then, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side must improve in their warmup contests with Watford on Saturday, and Monaco and Villarreal to follow in the coming weeks.
Southampton were defeated in their opening friendly of the summer during their Austrian training camp, with Bundesliga giants RB Leipzig defeating Hasenhuttl’s men by a 3-1 scoreline.
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Although the Saints will have been expected to lose that encounter, a response will have been wanted against Austria Klagenfurt on Monday, but a goalless draw was all that could be recorded despite their best efforts.
Will Smallbone and Ibrahima Diallo both struck the woodwork for Southampton, whilst Adam Armstrong saw his penalty kick saved on a frustrating evening.
The Premier League outfit return home to England for the trip to Watford on Saturday, and Hasenhuttl will be hopeful that he can witness a first victory of the summer for his side ahead of tough tests in the finale of their preparations for the 2022-23 campaign.
