Lakshay Khurana
Manchester United vs Watford: Opposition Analysis
After 3 consecutive wins, the Reds will be looking forward to get on track by grabbing another 3 points on Wednesday against The Hornets. It might seem like a job done given the performance of the youth players in last few matches, especially Rashford, in the absence of the first-choice players at almost every position due to injuries.
But practically, it shouldn’t be that easy. United’s all-in-all form this season hasn’t even been close to the standards of a top English Premier Club. Even though they are playing at home again on midweek, it will be no surprise if this one also gets out of hand. We’ve seen Manchester United lose to comparatively smaller teams at home at critical times such as the setback from the fixtures against Southampton and Norwich earlier this season.
Plus, Watford will try their best to at least, get a point against LVG’s young squad breaking their record of being beaten in their last 10 games against them.
Strengths
The Hornets already have more points away this season (18) than they managed in their last two previous Premier League campaigns put together (15). They’re back better than ever looking to achieve top-notch stature of the game.
Watford has shown that they’re capable of creating chances through individual skill.
Style Of Play
Attack:
Long balls
Take long shots
Attack through the middle
Defence:
Often use of Offside Trap
Consistent First Eleven
Aggressive
Weakness
Watford sitting at the 10th place on the league table, would obviously find it very hard to make a difference for themselves against LVG’s squad. The Hornets have failed to score in five of their last seven games.
Their manager, Sanchez Flores, has urged his team not to take Manchester United’s injury-hit team lightly.
He was quoted saying, ”I don’t like to say to the players , ‘come on boys, now Manchester United are a little weak because they have injuries, because they are younger, because they don’t have experience’, no, it is the opposite.”
Watford’s main striker, Odion Ighalo has scored just one goal in eight premier league appearances so far this year.
They’ve also shown sloppiness in their defense by conceding 28 goals this season already. The Golden Boys have a huge weakness in keeping the possession of the ball.
Usually playing with the 4-4-2 formation, Watford would find it problematic to penetrate into United’s penalty area.
Players to look out for: Ighalo, Deeney, and Capoue
