Manchester United travel to the Vicarage Road as they attempt to end a woeful week on a positive note. It all started against Manchester City where they were initially handed a footballing lesson in the first half at Old Trafford before recovering to avoid an embarrassing defeat. But they could not take the whole week to regroup and sort things out as Mourinho had to deal with the midweek trip to play their opening Europa league fixture against Feyenoord. What would ideally have been a nice run-out with the fringe players turned out to be another disappointing loss which has now brought the spotlight back on Jose Mourinho and his tactics. But they have been afforded a chance to regain a little bit of their confidence when they play a very winnable fixture against Watford. And the Hornets will be knowing the humongous task ahead of them as they will attempt to make things tougher for the Red Devils.
We take a look at the 3 key battles expected to pan out over the 90 minutes at Vicarage Road.
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC VS YOUNES KABOUL
Ibrahimovic could not rescue a sinking United against Feyenoord and will look to get back to the comforts of the Premier League against the Hornets. He will try to dominate the Watford backline and will be faced by Younes Kaboul who recently moved to Watford from Sunderland. His experience and physique will come in handy when the two clash on Sunday. Keeping the big Swede quiet will be key and Kaboul will play an important role In that attempt.
ROBERTO PEREYRA VS MAROUANE FELLAINI
The former Juventus man will be key to Watford’s attacking endeavours this season and has been brought in to bear the attacking workload along with Deeney and Ighalo.
He has looked good till now and the low on confidence United backline will need Fellaini to deal with Pereyra in front of the defence. The Belgium has looked a better player this season and will have to do a good screening job in front of the backline.
PAUL POGBA VS ETIENNE CAPOUE
Paul Pogba has been having a difficult time in the last week with non-descript performances against Manchester City and Feyenoord. He is under pressure to deliver and will look to express himself against Watford. With a common consensus of freeing the Frenchman of his shackles, Mourinho might cede to the request of the fans and pundits alike. And Capoue with his physique and strong defensive attributes will hope to leave a mark on the match.
