Sidney Sladen
Manchester United yet again have a chance to climb up from the 6th position that they have been at since the end of game week 11 and a top 4 finish is now looking increasingly possible. They are just 2 points behind the 4th placed Arsenal and any slip from the Gunners and Liverpool, who are placed 4th and 5th respectively, United can comfortably break into the Champions League spots.
Although United are on a 15 game unbeaten run in the league, their table position has been a matter of concern and now, it is about to change with the gap being closed down gradually.
Watford on the other hand, have managed to stay mid-table after 24 games and with 14 games to go, they will be determined to climb further up to achieve a higher finish. They stunned Arsenal the previous mid-week and managed to beat Burnley last weekend. The Hornets are a confident bunch and United will have to be wary of the threat that the men in yellow offer.
Troy Deeney has been the main performer for Watford and so United back four must stay alert all game to ensure no damage is done. The victory over the Red Devils in their previous meeting must instil more confidence in the Watford camp and it will be interesting to see how United respond.
Team news:
For United,
Wayne Rooney looks set to return to the squad after missing the 3-0 win over Leicester due to illness. Phil Jones remains a slight doubt after a foot injury.
For Watford,
Costel Pantilimon will miss this trip to Manchester due to the foot injury he suffered against Millwall in the FA cup tie. Christian Kabasele and Nordin Amrabat remain as doubts as well, with Robert Pereyra out with a long-term knee injury.
Projected Line-ups:
Manchester United
Formation: 4-2-3-1
De Gea
Valencia Smalling Bailly Rojo
Herrera Pogba
Mkhitaryan Rooney Rashford
Ibrahimovic
Watford
Formation: 5-4-1
Gomes
Janmaat Cathcart Kaboul Prodl Holebas
Capoue Cleverley Behrami Niang
Deeney
Key Stats:
Manchester United have won all three previous Premier League home matches against Watford.
Watford could become only the ninth team to do a PL double over Man Utd, following Liverpool (four times) Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City (all three times), Blackburn, Everton, Swansea and West Ham.
Troy Deeney has scored in each of his last three Premier League matches. He last scored in four in a row in December 2015.
Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have created 27 chances for one another in the Premier League this season – the most of any duo.
Key Stats courtesy: Premier League
Prediction
Man United are unbeaten in 15 premier league games and have an impressive home record too. Watford on the other hand, have won two games in a row and haven’t lost in their previous 4 league games, which sees them arrive at Old Trafford with their heads high. It certainly promises to be an exciting game with Watford looking for a double over the Red Devils and United themselves, determined to finish in top 4.
Final score,
Manchester United 2-1 Watford
