Watford v Southampton Prediction: Saints Backed At 10/1

Watford host Southampton on Sunday afternoon and William Hill News preview the clash at Vicarage Road, with a score prediction and a look at the latest odds.

Our vivacious EFL Championship returns this weekend for another season of unbridled thrills and spills.

Those three clubs relegated from the Premier League – West Ham United, Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers – are already attracting intense football betting interest reflecting associated parachute payments. Nevertheless, plenty of other teams will fancy their chances, especially since the number of slots for competing in the Play-Offs expands to six.

Let’s take a look at the best Championship betting picks for opening weekend.

Watford v Southampton Odds:

• Watford – 11/5
• Draw – 23/10
• Southampton – 11/10

Will the Saints go marching in or will the Hornets fly into 2026/27 with a victory? Tony Incenzo previews Sunday’s clash for EFL Championship followers.

Watford v Southampton

• Kick-off: 1.30pm
• Vicarage Road

Watford Preview

• Final position 2025/26: 16th

The underachieving Hornets installed Alessio Dionisi as head coach on 15th June. He replaces Ed Still who was sacked on 3rd May following a tenure of less than three months. Dionisi departed Empoli of Italy’s Serie B in March and I honestly don’t think he’ll last very long at Vicarage Road where they chop and change their managers on a frequent basis. On Tuesday, Watford defender Marc Bola agreed a three-year contract extension.

Southampton Preview

• Final position 2025/26: 4th

Southampton were abruptly disqualified during the Play-Offs – despite beating Middlesbrough in the Semi-Finals – because they had spied on their opponents in training. Saints consequently start this new campaign nursing an EFL-imposed four points deduction. Transfer activity on Tuesday involved midfielder Shea Charles moving to Fulham (a package worth up to £30 million) whilst Southampton made the loan swoop for Manchester City striker Divin Mubama.

Watford v Southampton score prediction: I spy a Saints win 2-0.

*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*