Friday 14 September 2018

Match preview: Watford v Man Utd

After the first international break of the season, Jose Mourinho's United travel to unbeaten and high flying Watford in the second of three successive away games.
Javi Gracia has done a terrific job so far in the Hornets hotseat, with the Hertfordshire side - relegation favourites for many - sitting proudly among the early Premier League pacesetters. Having beaten Tottenham 2-1 last time out, they boast a 100% record after previous wins over Brighton, Burnley and Crystal Palace. Gracia was named the August manager of the month after his side's impressive start. The Reds have had two good wins and two disappointing defeats so far, and are 10th in the fledgling table, a win here would bring back-to-back wins for the first time this season and certainly kick-start what has been an indifferent campaign for the team.

 The two sides have met 10 times in the Premier League with Watford having won just one of those matches, with United taking the other nine victories.
Jose Mourinho’s men beat Watford 4-2 at Vicarage Road last season, though the Hornets won 3-1 there in 2016.

The hosts are likely to welcome back Gerard Deulofeu although Younes Kaboul and ex United man Tom Cleverley are still out.
Rashford begins a three-match suspension following his red card at Burnley, while Luke Shaw looks set to feature despite suffering a concussion during England’s loss to Spain during the recent international break.
That could see £19m summer signing Diogo Dalot come in for a debut but Marcos Rojo could be in contention too. Ander Herrera is doubtful with an ankle injury and there's also a question mark over Marouane Fellaini who picked up a minor back problem that ruled him out of Belgium's double-header over the international break.

Jose said: "Watford have had a fantastic start, four matches, 12 points from 12 is great for them, good victories at home, strong performances, consistent, so congratulations to Javi Gracia, his players, the staff and the club because it's a very good start.
"Shaw is available, but the only situation I have to analyse is if we are going to play him when during the week he has not trained, so it is difficult. I am happy for Marcus Rashford of course, he played well, he competed, he scored twice.
"Fellaini is a doubt, Ander Herrera is a doubt also - he had one little problem in one ankle during the week - so he is a doubt. Dalot and Rojo will play with the Under 23s and if they play the 90 minutes like we expect, it will be end of their recovery process and we can see if they will be considered for Saturday."

Form guide: Watford W W W W United W L L W
Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral)
Match odds: Watford 10/1 Draw 13/2 United
15/2

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