It’s Manchester United vs Watford this weekend, as the Red Devils travel to Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon to face Watford. This weekend sees the return of Premier League action after the final international break of the season. The Red devils are currently enduring an excruciating period having suffered a humiliating 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in their previous outing. They will be keen to gain momentum in their bid to improve results going into a relentless period of the fixture calendar.
Despite wide speculation and demand for a managerial change over the international break, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is likely to take charge of the visitors this weekend. However, given United’s spiralling form and inability to display a coherent performance, this Saturday’s Manchester United vs Watford game and the next few matches over the following weeks will play a deciding factor on whether the Norwegian is likely to be relieved of his duties.
Amidst the Red Devils’ vast pool of talent, the likes of Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba, and Raphael Varane remain out of contention due to injuries. However, Donny Van De Beek, is likely to start his first league game of the season on Saturday. Following their withdrawal from the national team, the likes of Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw remain in strong contention to make the starting line-up, while the likes of Eric Bailly, Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, and Jesse Lingard, too, will be hoping to gain some indispensable minutes against Watford.
Predicted Line-Up: Formation (4-2-3-1)
After failing to inspire promising performances following his decision to return to a pragmatic 5-4-1 system in recent fixtures, Solskjaer is likely to adopt a more expansive approach in Saturday’s match against a relegation- battling Watford side. Given the need to revitalize the fan-base’s expectations amidst ominous predictions, it remains to be seen if the Norwegian seeks to explore a novel avenue this weekend. Let us have a look at the predicted line-up for this Saturday’s Manchester United vs Watford game.
Goalkeeper
David De Gea (GK) – Arguably, the team’s most consistent performer hitherto, the Spaniard’s clean sheet record fails to capture the enormity of his performances this season. Guarding a side struggling to avoid defensive errors across a string of results, De Gea has warranted a place in the line-up and he is likely to have cemented his spot in the starting eleven. Although the Spanish shot-stopper produced a few nervy moments last time around, De Gea is unlikely to be shipped out to Dean Henderson anytime soon.
Defence
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) – Amidst the least scrutinized defenders at United this season, Wan-Bissaka continues to remain immovable in defence, but fails to replicate the same upfront. In a backline repeatedly failing to display intimidating performances, Wan-Bissaka continues to execute his primary objective with unparalleled discipline. While Diogo Dalot may find himself given an opportunity over the next few fixtures, Wan-Bissaka is expected to remain a mainstay in the position.
Victor Lindelof (RCB) – Reduced to a squad role following Raphael Varane’s arrival, the Swedish international is expected to return to the line-up following the latter’s absence over the next couple of weeks. Despite Eric Bailly’s notable performances, Lindelof is likely to be given the nod ahead of the Ivorian as Solskjaer’s expected to retain faith in his “trusted” allies on Saturday.
Predicted Man Utd line-up (4-2-3-1) vs Watford, Rashford and Greenwood start – https://t.co/4JjwHg3jw3 pic.twitter.com/1uMokWqLui
— Man Utd News (@themanutdnews) November 19, 2021
Harry Maguire (LCB) – The most scrutinized of all United defenders over the international break, the team’s skipper is expected to be amongst the first names on the team sheet come Saturday. Despite deplorable performances since the beginning of the campaign, the Englishman remains a vital part of Solskjaer’s defensive structure. With the possibility of having regained his confidence owing to promising performances with the national team, it remains to be seen if the centre-back carries over his impressive form to the league this weekend.
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Alex Telles (LB) – With Luke Shaw in erratic form, Alex Telles could find himself in contention against Watford on Saturday. Following his remarkable volley that kick-started United’s comeback against Villarreal in September, the Brazilian has not featured in any competitions since. Given Shaw’s underwhelming form and Telles’ lack of game-time, the left-back is more than capable of fulfilling the Englishman’s role at the weekend.
Midfield
Nemanja Matic (CDM) – Amongst United’s better-performing midfielders this season, the Serbian has failed to emerge as a foremost option in a role mastered by him over his career playing in the Premier League. With Scott McTominay and Fred unable to fulfil their roles with conviction, Matic could logically be granted a start at the weekend. However, given Solskjaer’s reluctance to change his midfield duo, the Serbian is more likely to find himself on the bench against Watford.
Donny Van De Beek (CM) – Having created a good impression in his little cameos before the international break, the Dutch midfielder may finally register his first start of the season on Saturday. Despite failing to gain first-team minutes, Van Be Beek has remained tolerant and serves as a ray of hope amidst the team’s faltering midfield situation. However, much like Matic, the Dutchman, too, could fail to make an appearance, furthering his desire to seek a move in the January window.
Bruno Fernandes (CAM) – The team’s primary creator on the pitch, the Portuguese, will be keen on improving their positional discipline over the next couple of fixtures. Although Fernandes continues to be a threat in attack, his lack of adherence to the team’s defensive shape has stood in recent losses. However, given his overwhelming contribution in attack, the Portuguese is likely to be judged on United’s ability to potentially break down a low-block this weekend.
Man Utd outcasts Van de Beek, Sancho and Lingard could be given chance vs Watford to save stars for Villarreal clash https://t.co/OfXEMFmVtR
— The Sun – Man Utd (@SunManUtd) November 18, 2021
Forwards
Jadon Sancho (RW) – Argued to be a victim of United’s unstable set-up, Sancho could finally be granted a string of opportunities after failing to impress in his outings early in the season. With the team in desperate need of creativity, the youngster has proven his temperament in the role, and he is extremely capable of carrying out his duties diligently. Sancho who has been relegated to the bench in recent games, is likely to be given an opportunity if Solskjaer decides to adopt an attacking approach.
Marcus Rashford (LW) – Having withdrawn from the national team in a bid to regain full fitness, Rashford is expected to be involved in a majority of United’s fixtures over the winter schedule. The Englishman is amongst the first names on the team sheet and will be keen on increasing his contribution starting this weekend.
Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) – For all of United’s shortcomings, Ronaldo continues to deliver in crunch moments. The Portuguese has, arguably, single-handedly kept the club in the Champions League and is expected to play a major role if the Red Devils are to rekindle hope under Solskjaer’s management. Given Watford’s defensive frailties, Ronaldo will be vital to the visitors’ side, securing a promising result on Saturday.
What do you think will be the outcome of this Saturday’s Manchester United vs Watford match? Share your thought, and be sure to follow ArseDevils for more Manchester United related content.
Score Prediction for Manchester United vs Watford: Watford 1:2 Manchester United
