Preview: Manchester United vs. Watford - prediction, team news, lineups

Two sides desperate for three points for entirely different reasons prepare for battle at Old Trafford on Saturday, as Manchester United host Watford in the Premier League.

The Hornets' 4-1 win over the Red Devils cost Ole Gunnar Solskjaer his job back in November, but significant changes have been made at both clubs since then.

Match preview

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With their spot in the top four of the Premier League table far from secure as Arsenal, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers bear down on them, Man United made a positive step towards trying to claim Champions League glory on Wednesday night.

Taking on Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 showdown, Ralf Rangnick's side fell behind through Joao Felix's header and could not break down the Diego Simeone-marshalled defence before the introduction of a certain teenager helped to restore parity.

Developing a reputation as a cool, calm and collected finisher, Anthony Elanga slotted past Jan Oblak to rescue a 1-1 draw and leave it all to play for in the second leg after producing a similar effort in an entertaining 4-2 victory over Leeds United a few days before.

The Elland Road victory has allowed Man United to maintain their fourth-placed ranking in the table, but Arsenal have cut the gap to just one point with victory over Wolves on Thursday evening, and it is now five games unbeaten for the Red Devils in all tournaments.

Furthermore, Man United have lost just one of their last 14 in the top flight and are aiming to make it three league wins on the bounce for the first time since the turn of the year, so not many will be placing bets on Watford springing any more surprises.

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After being on the correct end of a 4-1 scoreline in their most recent battle with Man United, Watford were on the receiving end of such a romping in midweek, as a Wilfried Zaha-inspired Crystal Palace ran riot at Vicarage Road.

Jean-Philippe Mateta's deflected effort and Conor Gallagher's eighth goal of the season came either side of Moussa Sissoko's response, and Zaha proceeded to strike late twice in quick succession to break the Hornets' formerly admirable defensive resolve under Roy Hodgson.

The former Eagles boss was served a slice of humble pie by his old club to make Watford's bid for survival that little bit more difficult, with this week's visitors to Old Trafford now 19th and four points adrift of safety after Burnley's win against Tottenham Hotspur.

Watford can at least boast a respectable tally of just one defeat from their last four on the road in the top flight - scoring and conceding two apiece - and the highlights of their Vicarage Road thumping of Man United will live long in the memory.

However, the Red Devils have won every single one of their Premier League meetings versus Watford at Old Trafford and have only conceded two goals in that time, as well as claiming a 1-0 success in the 2020-21 FA Cup at the Theatre of Dreams.

Team News

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Man United are once again expected to make do without Edinson Cavani due to his groin issue, and Scott McTominay will also miss out after contracting an illness.

Paul Pogba and Fred ought to continue in the midfield as McTominay recovers, while Elanga is certainly threatening to displace Marcus Rashford or Jadon Sancho on the flanks.

Victor Lindelof was a surprise starter at right-back at the Wanda Metropolitano, but Diogo Dalot ought to return here as Alex Telles battles Luke Shaw for a start on the left-hand side.

As for Watford, Peter Etebo and Nicolas Nkoulou remain absent while they build up their match fitness, while Joao Pedro and Juraj Kucka are set to be back from their knocks.

Ex-Man United starlets Joshua King and Tom Cleverley will both look to make an impact at their old home, but the duo were hauled off in the Palace loss and could be at risk of losing their places here, although King should be fine to go despite a minor injury scare.

Edo Kayembe represents a possible alteration in midfield for the Hornets, who could also elect to swap King out for Cucho Hernandez or Ken Sema at Old Trafford.

Manchester United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Telles; Fred, Pogba; Elanga, Fernandes, Sancho; Ronaldo

Watford possible starting lineup:
Foster; Femenia, Cathcart, Samir, Kamara; Louza, Kayembe, Sissoko; Sarr, Hernandez, Dennis

We say: Manchester United 2-0 Watford

Jellied legs could force Rangnick into some alterations after Wednesday's exertions, but Man United will be in a much better mood about their midweek endeavours than their visitors.

Producing dominant showings without any signs of wavering has not been Man United's forte under Rangnick, but the Red Devils should have no trouble seeing off the lowly Hornets.

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