Nigel Pearson makes his home bow as Watford manager as they welcome Manchester United to Vicarage Road in the opening Super Sunday match.
A win will move Watford closer towards their relegation rivals, whilst Man Utd can temporarily go fifth with a win before Tottenham host Chelsea in the teatime game.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesAdam Masina could feature for Watford if he can overcome a thigh injury.
Roberto Pereyra is doubtful with a groin strain so will face a late fitness test to determine whether he will feature on the teamsheet or not.
Danny Welbeck (thigh), Tom Cleverley (heel), Jose Holebas (ankle), Daryl Janmaat and Sebastien Prodl (both knee) are however still sidelined.
Man Utd could have Diogo Dalot available after missing the last two months with a groin injury.
Paul Pogba (ankle) and Marcos Rojo (undisclosed) are close to making their returns but won’t be risked here, whilst Eric Bailly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah (both knee) won’t be available before New Year Day at earliest.
Form
Watford have taken just a single point from their last five league games, whilst scoring just once in their last five home games during which they took three goalless draws and two defeats.
Man Utd are unbeaten in their last six league games, but have taken just seven points from their last five away games, with Marcus Rashford scoring in each of their last three away trips.
Stat Attack
- Watford have won just one of 12 previous Premier League meetings with Manchester United (W1, L11).
- In six home PL games against United, Watford have never kept a clean sheet.
- Marcus Rashford has scored two of United’s last five league goals against Watford.
- No Watford player has scored a headed league goal this season after 17 games.
- No Man Utd player has scored in four consecutive league away games since Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2016-17 season, with the Swede scoring in five consecutive away league trips between November 2016 and January 2017.
Prediction
Watford didn’t disgrace themselves at Liverpool last weekend despite losing to a Mohamed Salah brace, which is a huge positive as they face their first home game under Pearson.
Man Utd however will pose another stern test of Watford’s ability but with rebuilding confidence and a fresh style of play, I can see the Hornets proving more of a tough challenge for United than fans might expect.
I however am going for an away win because Watford are still adapting to Pearson’s style, which give United the edge although this should be a positive performance for the home side.
Prediction: Watford 1-2 Manchester United
Result: Watford 2-0 Manchester United