Watford vs Manchester United – Three key battles to watch out for
Well, who would have thought that Watford will have a perfect record after the first international break?
If that was the kicker, then the Hornets will face Manchester United, who have already lost two of the four games this season. Doesn’t match our imaginations, does it?
Watford face Man United at the Vicarage Road to hold onto their 100% record in the league. While Jose Mourinho would be eager to continue the winning ways after beating Burnley, Javi Gracia would be determined to continue Watford’s dream start to the season.
There will be some intriguing battles to look forward to in the game, here they are:
Watford strikers vs Man United defence
The combination of Troy Deeney and Andre Gray has done very well for the club. They are similar in many ways but differ in a few aspects, which keeps the defenders in check all the time. While Deeney is more physical and can ruffle up few defensive feathers, Gray can utilise his pace to exploit spaces in behind.
United defenders have been nothing short of mediocre thus far, looking out of sorts and slow in everything they do. They will face a massive test against the Watford strikers.
Lukaku and Sanchez vs Watford’s backline
Lukaku scored a brace against Burnley to regain his form. Alexis Sanchez started against the Clarets and showed why he is still good enough to impact the team’s play. Watford have to be careful to not over-commit or pay the price of getting caught on the counter-attack.
Furthermore, Sanchez should be well marshalled by Daryl Janmaat, failing which the Chilean will create chances in abundance.
The midfield battle
United have world-class players in midfield on paper, Paul Pogba, Fred, Ander Herrera, Nemanja Matic and Mourinho’s trump card Marouane Fellaini are some fantastic options to have. So, they should dominate Watford in the central areas.
However, the Red Devils have been unbalanced in this department. This could be an opening for Will Hughes, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Etienne Capoue, who would look to overpower them in those areas.
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Hence it will be very interesting to see how this battle unfolds at the Vicarage Road in Saturday’s late kick-off.