Prediction: Romelu Lukaku first goalscorer
Odds: 4/1
Bookmaker: Bet365
Watford get back to Premier League action on Saturday evening as they welcome Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United to Vicarage Road.
The Hornets have been in fine form at the start of the 2018/19 campaign but now face one of their toughest tests in the form of the Red Devils.
Watford
It probably would be fair to assume that not many predicted Watford’s stunning start to the new season. Javi Gracia has done a fine job and currently has the Hornets flying high in third position in the table. The team have managed to rack up four consecutive victories which includes wins over Brighton & Hove Albion, Burnley, Crystal Palace and even an impressive comeback victory against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley. The Hornets also managed to reach the third round of the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 success against Championship outfit Reading. One of the reasons behind their great start to the season has been their goal-scoring. They have already found the net nine times in the league – only Manchester City and Chelsea have scored more.
Their achievement is put into perspective even further considering that they have not enjoyed five consecutive league victories since 2015, when they were still in the Championship. As a matter of fact, they have not notched five wins at the start of a campaign in will over 30 years.
Team News
Gerard Deulofeu is not yet ready to return to action as he is still recovering from a groin strain. Tom Cleverley is also ruled out with an Achilles injury. Elsewhere, the Hornets will be glad to see Roberto Pereyra in action. The Argentine has enjoyed a stunning start to the season having plundered three goals in four games.
Manchester United
That victory at Burnley almost two weeks ago was exactly what Jose Mourinho needed. The Portuguese was under pressure at Old Trafford having taken only three points from the opening three games. However, the Red Devils now sit in 10th. Whilst still not brilliant, it has been an improvement. A win against Watford this weekend could lift Mourinho’s men into the upper reaches of the Premier League. The win at Turf Moor last time out ended a three match winless run on the road in league play so a victory again could get them back on track.
A difficulty that they’ve had at the start of the current campaign is their defence. The Red Devils have already shipped seven goals in only four games. Only five teams in the top flight have conceded more than Mourinho’s men and three of those are in and around the relegation zone at the current time.
Team News
Luke Shaw’s head injury on international duty was not as bad as first feared and he could be ready in time for Saturday evening’s clash. Marcos Rojo and Marouane Fellaini may also be ready to return to action after recovering from respective problems. Although, Ander Herrera and Phil Jones are certainly ruled out with an ankle and hamstring problem respectively.
Key Facts To Consider
- Manchester United have the far better record between the two sides (W20, D5, L5)
- The Red Devils have won 14 out of their last 15 clashes with the Hornets
- Alexis Sanchez has had a hand in seven goals in his last six games against Watford (three goals, four assists)
- The last clash between the two ended 4-2 to Manchester United
- Jose Mourinho has only lost once against Watford as a manager
Conclusion
It’s surely set to be an intriguing tie at Vicarage Road. The Hornets will be in a hugely confident mood following their stunning victory over Tottenham Hotspur. However, the international break did come at completely the wrong time for Gracia’s men. Despite that, there will be goals at Vicarage Road and Romelu Lukaku could be the man to get the first one following his great form during the last few weeks.
Prediction: Romelu Lukaku first goalscorer
Odds: 4/1
Bookmaker: Bet365
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