Watford and Southampton are currently goalless at half-time in the Premier League with the Hornets going closest

The Golden Boys might, though, have snatched the lead shortly before the break when Odion Ighalo failed to connect with Ikechi Anya’s teasing low cross from the right – the best chance of an even half.

Quique Sanchez Flores made just one change from the side held to a goalless draw at Vicarage Road eight days ago; Jose Holebas coming into the side at left-back in place of Miguel Layun, allowing Anya to return to his natural left-wing role.

But the headline team news was Matej Vydra’s non-inclusion after a week which has seen the Czech striker’s future at Vicarage Road thrown into question.

Another forward whose future could lay away from WD18, Fernando Forestieri, was named among the substitutes, along with new loan signing Alessandro Diamanti.

In a half which produced few chances it was Southampton who went closest when substitute Shane Long, brought on for the injured Sadio Mane, darted into the penalty area and drew a smart stop from Heurelho Gomes at the near post.

Long turned provider for strike partner Graziano Pelle a few minutes later, swinging in a cross from the right which the Italian international could only divert wide with a diving header.

The Saints had another headed opportunity eight minutes before the break, Steven Caulker nodding Steven Davis’ near-post corner safely into the palms of Gomes from eight yards.

Watford’s best chance came five minutes before the break, Ighalo somehow failing to connect with Anya’s inviting low delivery from the right-hand side of the penalty area.

Watford: Gomes; Nyom, Cathcart, Prodl, Holebas; Behrami, Capoue; Jurado, Ighalo, Anya; Deeney (c).

Watford substitutes: Arlauskis (GK), Britos, Forestieri, Layun, Abdi, Diamanti.

Southampton: Stekelenburg; Soares, Yoshida, Fonte, Caulker, Targett; Davis, Romeu, Wanyama; Mane (Long 25), Pelle.

Southampton substitutes: Davis (GK), Rodriguez, Tadic, Martina, Ward-Prowse, Juanmi.