Five things to look out for in EFL – Hornets hassle and Saints struggles

With last season’s horror show in the Premier League consigned to history, Southampton fans may have felt it was safe to come out from behind the sofa, but there could still be a sequel in the offing.

Things have not quite gone to plan since the appointment of Will Still with just the opening day win over Wrexham to show for their efforts in the Championship.

There was a creditable performance in a 2-1 midweek Carabao Cup defeat by Liverpool but even that only highlighted their current deficiencies to the head coach.

“We’re consistently inconsistent, which is annoying. We’re conceding too many goals, too cheaply, so we need to urgently sort that out,” he told BBC Radio Solent.

“It’s not fun, it’s not very enjoyable, but we need to keep believing in it, hammering away, keep plugging away, because that’s the only way it’s going to work.”

The bad news for Southampton is their next challenge brings the league leaders Middlesbrough to St Mary’s Stadium.

Boro are only the fourth side in the past 40 years to top the second-tier table by as many as four points after six games (Huddersfield Town, Brighton and Hove Albion and Oldham are the others, in case you were wondering) and are unbeaten.

For those who like quirks of fate, Saturday’s meeting will also mark the 22nd anniversary of Middlesbrough’s last win at Southampton – a reason for hope for the Saints?