Alessio Dionisi has named his first Watford XI in the Championship.
The Italian's reign got off to the perfect start when the Hornets overcame Crawley in the EFL Cup last weekend, but the visit of Southampton poses an altogether sterner test.
Saints were expelled from the playoff final last season after they were found guilty of spying on opposition training sessions during the Championship season. Tonda Eckert is yet to receive his FA punishment for his role in 'Spygate' but will be trying to centre his focus around getting off to a good start in the league.
The South Coast side swatted away an £18m bid for star defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis yesterday and he is named among the starting XI for the trip to Vicarage Road.
Saints also have the impressive Leo Scienza in their side, as well as new signing Daniel Peretz between the sticks.
Watford skipper Imran Louza is absent from Dionisi's XI, instead Hector Kyprianou and Edoardo Bove will feature in central midfield.
Watford XI
Federico Ravaglia; Omar Traore, Mattie Pollock, Kevin Keben, Marc Bola; Hector Kyprianou, Edoardo Bove, Othmane Maamma, Iker Bravo, Amin Nabizada; Mamadou Doumbia.
Southampton XI
Daniel Peretz; James Bree, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Jack Stephens, Ryan Manning; Flynn Downes, Cameron Bragg, Kuryu Matzuki, Lewis Dobbin, Leo Scienza; Cyle Larin.
