As the international break comes to an end, Manchester United go up against Watford on Saturday. Both the clubs are at very different places when it comes to form. United have endured a difficult opening 4 games losing 2, scraping through the opening game and winning comfortably only the last game before the international break, against Burnley. Watford, on the other hand, have enjoyed an excellent opening 4 games winning all of them and sit 3rd in the Premier League table.
Manchester United form: W L L W
Watford form: W W W W
Predicted Manchester United line-up against Watford
Possible Formation:
4-3-3
Mourinho has put his faith in this formation to give him maximum balance in the squad this season.
Goalkeeper:
David De Gea
Ever present in goal for Manchester United, David de Gea has been a constant highlight for Manchester United over the last few seasons. He hasn’t yet been tested to his full potential this season but has shown glimpses of his capabilities and that he is ever ready if ever called into action.
Defenders:
Antonio Valencia
With Diogo Dalot still lacking Premier League experience and match sharpness after recovering from injury, Antonio Valencia is set to keep his place at right- back.
Chris Smalling
It is unlikely that Mourinho will change his winning defensive pair. With Jones and Rojo out with injuries, Smalling seems to have been the first choice ahead of Eric Bailly.
Victor Lindelöf
Along with the physicality of Smalling, Mourinho has sought to add ball-playing qualities into the center-back pairing by the introduction of Victor Lindelöf. His composure on the ball and ball-playing abilities make him the perfect choice.
Ashley Young
The injury to Luke Shaw while on international duty with England might keep him sidelined for some weeks. The natural replacement is Ashley Young. He played at left back the whole of last season and can fill the void till Shaw returns.
Midfielders:
Nemanja Matic
The defensive duties performed by Nemanja Matic have been missed by United for the first two matches of the season, while Matic was out injured. Now that he is fit, he is expected to start most of the matches.
Fred
Ander Herrera is expected to give way to Fred this week as Mourinho would look to counter Abdoulaye Doucouré’s threat in the midfield. His box-to-box role would bring more security in the defense as he possesses more tracking back quality than Herrera.
Paul Pogba
An ever-present figure in the midfield, United fans and Jose will expect the superstar to take control of the midfield and ensure an easy match for United.
Wingers:
Jesse Lingard
Jesse Lingard is expected to start ahead of Juan Mata, and provide width and speed up front. His trickery and dribbling may be the key to opening a stubborn Watford defense.
Alexis Sánchez
Sánchez delivered one of his best performances in a United shirt last time out against Burnley. Jose will be expecting more of the same. He is a sure starter against Burnley.
Striker:
Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku had found the back of the net twice against Burnley and it may be a sign of him finding his scoring form. He is a sure starter as well, with Rashford suspended and Martial not considered a number 9 by Jose.
Both the teams have gone into the international break in excellent form. Watford more so than United. The Hornets will have an edge when it comes to form, but United is full of match winners and players that can change the match in an instant. Roberto Pereyra, Holebas and Troy Deeney have shown some impressive goal-scoring form and should be paid close attention to.