Prediction: Watford vs Manchester United

Prediction: Man United win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: 888sport

The final international break of the year has come to an end and now, we have a clean run of fixtures through to the end of 2021. The Premier League returns this weekend with a full slate of thrilling games, many of which are pretty hard to call. One such example, in the eyes of some, is the battle between two out of form sides – Watford and Manchester United.

Watford

Bringing in Claudio Ranieri was always going to be a risk and outside of the Everton win, it’s one that doesn’t appear to have paid off. Team cohesion is key to succeeding in the Premier League and while they show flashes of brilliance, it’s far too inconsistent. The Hornets are going to be in a relegation scrap this year come hell or high water, and their fanbase will already be well aware of that.

Team News

Kucka is suspended here as a result of the red card he picked up prior to the international break. Elsewhere, Femenia and Sierralta are expected to feature with the following players ruled out through injury: Kabasele, Etebo, Sema and Baah.

Manchester United

Manchester United are treading water and that’s especially true for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. This is quite easily the best squad they’ve had in years but instead of taking advantage of that, they appear to be going backwards instead. There are plenty of factors behind this drop in form and with a chaotic schedule coming up, the magnifying glass is going to really come down on the club in the weeks ahead.

Team News

Shaw, Rashford and McTominay are all viewed as fitness doubts for the trip down south, but they should play some kind of role in the game. Pogba has one game left to serve on his suspension and will likely be injured thereafter, with Cavani and Varane also on the shelf.

Factors to Consider

• Man United are 6th in the Premier League whereas Watford are 17th.
• Watford have won one, drawn one and lost four in their last six games.
• Man United have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Watford have scored six goals and conceded 11 in their last six games.
• Man United have scored 10 goals and conceded 15 in their last six games.

Conclusion

Watford are going to put up a good fight here, as you’d expect at Vicarage Road, but we don’t think it’s going to change the outcome. Manchester United are methodical in their approach, despite having one of the most exciting squads in the league, and this one feels like it’s going to go down to the wire. We’re backing United to just about edge past the Hornets with a 2-1 win to get back on track.

Prediction: Man United win

Best Odds: 1/2

Bookmaker: 888sport