James Ward-Prowse says Southampton's trip to Watford will be a test of character

Ronald Koeman’s men visit the newly-promoted side hoping to kick-start their season, after a stuttering start to the campaign.

Saints have just one point from their opening two league matches, while their progress to the Europa League group stages is in doubt, after Thursday’s 1-1 draw at home to Midtjylland in the first leg of the play-off round.

Speaking about the importance of the trip to Vicarage Road, Ward-Prowse said: “I think it’s very big.

“We want to win every game, of course we do, and it’s made even tougher with the Thursday fixtures as well, but I think we’re physically prepared for that. All the lads are doing everything they can to make sure they recover and make sure we’re ready to go again. I think it’s a vital game for us.”

The midfielder added: “I think whether a team’s been promoted or whether they’ve been in the Premier League all the time, every game’s difficult. The fans will create a good atmosphere and it will be a battle.

“We’ll have to win the battle first before we show what we can do, so I think it will be a test of character – but it’s a good game to have in between the two European ties.”

Saints opened their league campaign with a 2-2 draw at Newcastle and a 3-0 home defeat to Everton.

While undoubtedly disappointing, it puts them in the same position they were in at this stage last term, when they also had one point from their opening two matches.

Then, a trip to West Ham in their third game energised the campaign, as Saints won 3-1 at Upton Park to set them on their way to a record-breaking Premier League season.

Ward-Prowse believes today’s match has similar potential for the club.

“Definitely,” he said. “It’s a winnable game. I think [Thursday] was a good start again, since the 3-0 defeat to Everton, and I think, with the run of games we’ve got, it’s good that if you do have a bad result you’ve got another game around the corner to put the bad one to bed.

“I think it’s definitely a winnable game and we’ll obviously be looking to get three points.”

Once again, it does mean dealing with a quick turnaround from Thursday’s game, but, while the impact of the Europa League is so often talked about, Ward-Prowse says no one at the club views it as a drain.

“I know every player and every member of staff wants to play in the Europa League and everyone wants to be there and show on the European stage what we can do,” he said.

“Everyone’s determined to play there. It’s not a case of not wanting to play there – everyone’s wanting to be there.”