Man Utd v Watford – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Man Utd host Watford at Old Trafford in the on Saturday afternoon. Ralf Rangnick has the Red Devils on a strong run of league results but with some questionable performances. Watford have just one win in 13 in the league and have a terrible record against United at Old Trafford. This match looks like a chance for the hosts to increase the gap to Arsenal below them but Watford did win this fixture 4-1 in November and could cause a surprise.

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Man Utd Form

Man Utd have done reasonably well in the league since Rangnick took over. The side have lost once in 10 league matches under the German tactician, a defeat to Wolves. In all competitions, The Red Devils are 10 games without losing since that Wolves setback. After throwing away 1-0 leads to draw 1-1 at Burnley and 1-1 at home to Southampton, a 2-0 win against ten-man Brighton followed. Their last league match saw a 2-0 half-time advantage against Leeds turn into 2-2 after ten second-half minutes. Two goals in the final 20 minutes secured the win. In midweek, United were very poor away to Atletico Madrid but Anthony Elanga scored off the bench to rescue a draw in the 80^th minute.

Man Utd Team News

With Edinson Cavani still a major doubt, Cristiano Ronaldo could lead the line. Anthony Elanga looks likely to take Marcus Rashford’s place in the front three after netting against Leeds and Atletico off the bench. Scott McTominay has been ill and could miss out again, with only Nemanja Matic as an option to freshen up the midfield.

Rangnick is expected to pick either Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Diego Dalot at right-back with Victor Lindelof or Raphael Varane dropping to the bench.

Man Utd Motivation

This is a must-win match with Arsenal now just a point behind with two games in hand. Anything less than three points here would be a very poor result. Rangnick won’t have an easy job getting the players totally focused on facing the 19^th placed club having just had a tough away Champions League match.

Watford Form

The Hornets are having an awful season. They have lost 17 of their 25 league matches and a -22 goal difference. After a run of eight defeats in nine matches, Claudio Ranieri was sacked. Roy Hodgson came in and got a 0-0 draw at Burnley in his first match. However, a 1-0 loss at West Ham and a 2-0 home defeat to Brighton followed.

A late Emmanuel Dennis goal then sealed a first victory in 13 matches for Watford in a 1-0 win at Aston Villa. That proved false dawn though as they were thrashed 4-1 at home by Crystal Palace in midweek.

Watford Team News

Hodgson has quite a few injuries to contend with. Josh King went off injured against Crystal Palace and is probably going to miss out. Joao Pedro also has a knock so attacking options are limited. Cucho Hernandez could come in, or Hodgson could go to a narrow midfield four with Dennis and Sarr playing as two strikers.

Juraj Kucka and Peter Etebo are doubtful to feature in the engine room. Veteran defender Nicolas Nkoulou misses this match due to injury.

Watford Motivation

Hodgson is certain to set up in his usual way – a solid, narrow shape with no sign of high pressing. His team will shut off angles and look for fast transitions.

Watford are four points off safety so need three-point-hauls but Roy Hodgson would certainly take a draw from this match if offered it.

Key Stats

Man Utd have won their last 8 home matches against Watford (all comps)

Man Utd are unbeaten in 7 PL matches

United have seen under 2.5 goals in their last 4 home PL matches

Watford have seen under 2.5 goals in their last 4 away PL matches

Watford have just 1 win in 14 PL matches (11 defeats)

Verdict

This should be a home win but Watford could be obdurate opponents. The stats suggest that this match won’t have many goals. A Man Utd win to nil looks like a solid bet.