Man Utd vs Watford preview | Injury boost for Utd | Expected line-ups | Predicted score

Manchester United will look to boost their top four hopes with a win over Watford at Old Trafford this afternoon. 

The build-up to the game has been dominated by the news that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been installed as the permanent Man Utd manager so he’ll be hoping to kick-off his tenure with a win this weekend.

The Red Devils head into the match off the back of two disappointing results as they lost 2-0 to Arsenal in the Premier League before crashing out of the FA Cup quarter-finals at the hands of Wolves before the international break.

United currently sit fifth in the table – two points adrift of Arsenal and three off third-placed Tottenham – so Solskjaer will be desperate to apply some pressure to their top four rivals with a win this afternoon.

However, United will face a tricky Watford side who sit eighth in the Premier League and they could climb up to seventh with a win at Old Trafford this weekend if Wolves drop points at Burnley.

Team news

United have received some welcome injury news as Solskjaer expects a number of players to recover from knocks. Nemanja Matic is expected to be passed fit despite withdrawing from the Serbia squad while Marcus Rashford should also be in contention after recovering from an ankle injury that kept him out of England duty.

Anthony Martial will be handed a late fitness test due to a knee injury and he may not be risked from the start while Romelu Lukaku will also be assessed after missing out in the last few weeks with a foot problem.

Luke Shaw is another doubt after pulling out of the England squad through injury so Ashley Young could start at left-back after completing his suspension. Eric Bailly should recover from a head injury but Alexis Sanchez remains out with a knee complaint.

Watford will be without Tom Cleverley due to a calf injury but Jose Holebas is available after recovering from a knock.

Expected line-ups

Predicted Score

Man Utd 2-0 Watford: The Hornets can be a dangerous side on their day but United have an excellent record against them having won 10 of their last 11 Premier League matches against Watford so I’m confident of a home win. The visitors can be a tough side to break down at times and it’s always difficult to get back to top form after the international break so I’m not expecting a goal fest. Under 2.5 match goals looks a solid bet.  However, Solskjaer will be keen to get back to winning ways off the back of his permanent appointment and I’m predicting a 2-0 Man Utd win.