HomeFeatured ArticlesWatford v Manchester United Preview: Team News, Stats & Key Men

Watford v Manchester United Preview: Team News, Stats & Key Men

As the Premier League resumes after the first international break post World Cup, Manchester United will travel down South to high-flying Watford in a bid to build on their momentum.

Watford FC have made a dream start to the competition, alongside title contenders Liverpool and Chelsea, winning all four of their games so far this season. But the most impressive result has been their most recent one – a comeback victory against a top-four side in Tottenham Hotspur, which is a testament to the thread of continuity at the club and a manager who has been able to play to their strengths and maximize their chances of winning.

On Saturday however, they face a distracted yet high-quality Manchester United outfit but given the confidence at the Vicarage Road now, especially being unbeaten in their last ten games in all competitions, let alone winning the last five on the bounce, Javi Garcia should really be expecting to come away with an impressive result this weekend.

For Manchester United, the international break may have come at the wrong time, after a comfortable win against Burnley away from home. Also, the fact that Luke Shaw – their best player in the season so far – winner of Player of the Month for United in August, missing out on the trip to Watford due to a concussion suffered while on International duty did not help them either.

But the Red Devils should be up for this one – after all the negative press they have received in the last few weeks – consecutive wins in the league for Mourinho, is the best response he could have to silence the naysayers.

Team News 

Former Red Tom Cleverley, Gerard Deulofeu and Miguel Britos are the only injury concerns for Watford this weekend. Javi Gracia is not expected to make any changes from the side that started their 2-1 win over Tottenham before the international break.

Marcus Rashford starts a three-match suspension this weekend after a straight red card against Burnley before the international break. Luke Shaw suffered a concussion in England’s defeat to Spain last weekend and will not be allowed to play here.

Interesting Numbers

  • There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Watford‘s last 3 games (Premier League).
  • Man Utd have won 11 of their last 12 matches against Watford in all competitions.

Key Men 

Holebas – Watford 

Holebas has been leading the full-back revolution in the Premier League – and has made a terrific start to his season at the club. The 34-year old has already assisted 4 goals and scored 1 – in 4 appearances, spearheading Watford’s efforts going forward. Their dominance in the air is well augmented by Holebas’ clever deliveries into dangerous areas and given United’s propensity to concede goals off individual mistakes – in set plays, his role will be crucial come Saturday to make it 5 in a row for Watford football club.

Ashley Young – Manchester United 

With Shaw sidelined for a short while, it is imperative that Ashley Young gets into the side and ensures that the level does not drop on Saturday.

Luke Shaw’s winning goal in the opening weekend and subsequent performances have injected a fresher dynamic to Man United’s attack and defence and Ashley Young will do well to replicate that at his former club in the weekend – where he scored a brace, including an outstanding freekick from range last season. A repeat of that on Saturday, would not be too bad.

Prediction 

Watford 1-1 Manchester United 

Aashish Murali
Aashish Murali
I can bore you to tears.
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