Watford are currently 16th in the Championship, with 57 points from 46 games, and a goal difference of -12. They have scored 53 goals and conceded 65. They are 38 points behind leaders Coventry. Their last result was a 0-4 loss to Coventry on May 2. They have lost their last 5 matches, with a recent form of 0W-0D-5L.

What happened?

Southampton FC boss Tonda Eckert spoke to reporters ahead of their Championship opener at Watford on Sunday. He discussed the team's readiness for the new season, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, and Divin Mubama.

Why it matters for Watford

Eckert emphasized the importance of the team's preparation for the new season, stating that they are ready for the challenge. He also discussed the team's transfer activity, mentioning Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Divin Mubama.

What comes next?

Watford's next fixture is against Cardiff on October 13. They will be looking to bounce back from their recent losses and improve their league position.

The Saints head coach Tonda Eckert said, "We are ready. I think the last game in the cup was important for us and we've had a whole week now leading up to the game. A big session today and with the game on Sunday, it has given us an extra day to put some content into the week. I was very happy with the session today. I was very happy with the session today and the boys look good."

When asked about Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Eckert replied, "He is exactly the same and he was exactly the same today in training." He also mentioned that the team has had a good meeting to prep for the game and the players look sharp and ready to go.

Eckert also discussed Divin Mubama, saying, "Well, the first time I've seen him actually goes a little bit further back. So when I came into the job for the [under] 21s, I've seen the last games of 21s prior to me coming in and that obviously included the game between our 21s and [Manchester] City and I've watched that. Just a clear number nine, someone who knows how to score goals. Very ambitious. I think already with some good experience on a senior level. I think he's played a good game here at St Mary's last year as well. Very good impressions. We've done some finishing yesterday and today. Obviously stronger left foot but can finish left and right. We've had a longer meeting with him yesterday just to go through teammates to get a quick understanding of who he has around himself and he has prepared himself before he came in here, so he knew most of the players and their preferences. [He's] very eager to learn and I think a player that we will enjoy this season."

Eckert also discussed the Larin-Stewart partnership, saying, "Let's see. I think that Cyle is a lot further physically than he was when he came in in January and even now he looks good. He played 30 minutes in the cup and he's ready to play some more. So, yeah, I think we see a little bit how that develops physically. But I think that can be a very good combination. Obviously a different age profile, so I think that's a little bit different. It's more father and son than two players at the same age. But the nice thing about Cyle is that he doesn't see another nine as a rival, but someone that he can help to develop and I think that's a very nice trait for him to have and also for Divin coming into the building."

Eckert also discussed the club's transfer activity, saying, "Yeah, but the reality is I think you have that situation in every single club. Obviously every manager is happy for the squad to be settled as quickly as possible and I think that we have a very good core going into the season. I would assume that the group is going to be smaller in two weeks' time than it is right now but sometimes it's not so easy to choose the exact timing