Both Manchester United and Watford will be desperate for the three points when they go head to head at Old Trafford in a Premier league matchday 27 encounter on Saturday evening with kickoff at 18:00.
It was Watford who cost Ole Gunnar Solskjaer his managerial position at Old Trafford following a massive 4-1 defeat; however there have been significant changes to both sides since then with the clubs facing off in the second-leg with different managers.
Leaving United’s revenge aside both sides will be desperate for the three points for completely different but crucial reasons with Manchester United looking to maintain their status in the Champions league berth while Watford looking to salvage their sinking season.
The Red Devils currently occupy the fourth-place in the rankings but are far from securing a Champions League football next season with Arsenal, West Ham, Wolves and Tottenham Hotspur breathing down their necks. They sit just a point above the Gunners who did well to over Wolves in their last match and still have two matches in hand.
Therefore, Ralf Rangnick’s side will be looking to quickly bounce back to winning ways following their 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie. They will draw confidence from their recent Premier league back-to-back victories against Brighton and Leeds United.
The Red Devils also a win in the match as they need confidence for their next three matches, facing Manchester City and Spurs in the Premier League first, before hosting Atletico in the second-leg of the Champions League.
Meanwhile the Hornets’ poor record in the top-flight recently, has seen the capital club drop into the 19th spot with only a point above the rock-bottom Norwich and four points adrift of safety. Roy Hodgson’s side was also involved in midweek action but in the Premier League and were left empty handed after a humiliating 4-1 defeat to Crystal Palace at home.
The defeat was a major setback for the Hornets who were coming off an impressive 1-0 win at Aston Villa and now will try to bounce back as they look to get back on track and perhaps salvage their season and of course will draw confidence from their victory against the Red Devils in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
Manchester United vs Watford head to head
Both sides have met in 17 encounters since 1999 with Man United claiming 17 victories while Watford have claimed three victories. Also when playing at home United have not lost to Watford in their last eight encounters.
- Watford 4-1 Man United 20/11/21
- Man United 1-0 Watford 09/01/21
- Man United 3-0 Watford 23/02/20
- Watford 2-0 Man United 22/12/19
- Man United 2-1 Watford 30/03/19
Home
- Atletico 1-1 Man United
- Leeds 2-4 Man United
- Man United 2-0 Brighton
- Man United 1-1 Southampton
- Burnley 1-1 Man United
Home
- Watford 1-4 Crystal Palace
- Aston Villa 0-1 Watford
- Watford 0-2 Brighton
- West Ham 1-0 Watford
- Burnley 0-0 Watford
Manchester United team news
United will be without Edinson Cavani due to injury.
Watford team news
Watford will be without Nicolas N’Koulou due to injury, while Oghenekaro Etebo, Juraj Kucka and Joao Pedro are doubts.
Prediction and odds
- Man United win
- Goals under 2.5
- Both sides to score (no)
