Manchester United will host Watford on Saturday, February 23 at Old Trafford. The match starts at 3:00 pm, in what will be an early kick-off.
Manchester United are currently 4th in the table, just a point clear of Arsenal. The Red Devils want to secure a Champions League spot for next season and definitely are in the mix. Watford on the other hand is in the relegation zone at 19th. They are just a point above Norwich City. New manager Roy Hodgson will hope to have a change in results as Watford look to scrape their way away from relegation.
Manchester United will be buoyed by their away draw against Atletico Madrid in their UCL round-of-16 match. Before that game, they scored 4 past Leeds United and completed the comeback after conceding two goals in 70 seconds. Ralf Rangnick is starting to get the hang of his squad and United looks to have improved under him. The German will want to make quick work of Watford as the top 4 race intensifies.
Manchester United Premier League Form: W W D D W W
Crystal Palace thrashed Watford 4-1 in their last encounter. The Hornets didn’t have the best of games as their poor run continues. A Wilfred Zaha is, ace in the, end sealed the deal for Patrick Vieira’s side. Watford are still in the relegation zone and nothing but a win will help them get out of it at the moment. Roy Hodgson’s side is having a difficult time and it could continue here.
Watford Premier League Form: L W L L D L
MANCHESTER UNITED TEAM NEWS
Man United are once again expected to make do without Edinson Cavani due to his groin issue. Scott McTominay will also miss out after contracting an illness.
Paul Pogba and Fred ought to continue in the midfield as McTominay recovers, while Elanga is certainly threatening to displace Marcus Rashford or Jadon Sancho on the flanks.
Victor Lindelof was a surprise starter at right-back at the Wanda Metropolitano, but Diogo Dalot ought to return here as Alex Telles battles Luke Shaw for a start on the left-hand side.
MANCHESTER UNITED POSSIBLE LINE-UP AGAINST WATFORD
De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Telles; Fred, Pogba; Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo
WATFORD TEAM NEWS
As for Watford, Peter Etebo and Nicolas Nkoulou remain absent while they build up their match fitness, while Joao Pedro and Juraj Kucka are set to be back from their knocks.
Ex-Man United starlets Joshua King and Tom Cleverley will both look to make an impact at their old home, but the dwasere hauled off in the Palace loss and could be at risk of losing their places here, although King should be fine to go despite a minor injury scare.
Edo Kayembe represents a possible alteration in midfield for the Hornets, who could also elect to swap King out for Cucho Hernandez or Ken Sema at Old Trafford.
WATFORD POSSIBLE LINE-UP AGAINST MANCHESTER UNITED
Foster; Femenia, Cathcart, Samir, Kamara; Louza, Kayembe, Sissoko; Sarr, Hernandez, Dennis
OUR PREDICTION
Manchester United 2 – 0 Watford
Tired legs could force Rangnick into some alterations after Wednesday’s exertions, but Man United will be in a much better mood about their midweek endeavours than their visitors. Producing dominant showings without any signs of wavering has not been Man United’s forte under Rangnick, but the Red Devils should have no trouble seeing off the lowly Hornets.
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