Watford’s winning run might take a halt when they visit Old Trafford to play Manchester United. Although they emerged victorious last time at Vicarage Road against a struggling United side, this time is bound to be different with Jose Mourinho’s tactics pretty much sorted out. The Red Devils have never lost to Watford in the Premier League and Walter Mazzarri will have to do more than their heroics at Emirates, if they are aiming for a major upset this weekend.
Defence
Heurelho Gomes is a sure-starter under the bar. The Brazilian has been quite assuring there and the last time these two sides met, Gomes was a brick wall, stopping numerous efforts from United’s feared strike force. The manager expects nothing lesser from his old man in such a big night.
The Hornets’ defence has been outstanding of late with eye-catching performances from Younes Kaboul, who has completely shut out strikers with his brute strength and he will need more of it against Zlatan Ibrahimović. Sebastian Prodl has complemented Kaboul pretty well and their coordination has been the key to Watford’s compact defence.
The back line will be unchanged from the last game. The side back roles will be taken by Jose Holebas and Daryl Janmaat and their combative attitude has been quite handy for Mazzarri to give that extra push during deadlocks. While absorbing pressure, too, these two have shown brilliant tenacity.
Midfield
It is impressive how Mazzarri has solved much of the club’s previous midfield problems with just one move. Critics have often stated that the Hornets lacked creativity through the middle and the arrival of Tom Cleverley has magically given a different dimension there.
The loanee from Everton, who looks pretty confident of making a permanent move after the season, has been hugely impactful for Watford and has already bagged two goals and one assist in four games. Alongside him, Capoue has been quite influential as an attacking midfielder. Behrami is the pivot in the midfield, whose combative playing style has struck a perfect balance in the centre.
Attack
Mazzarri has invested hugely in their attack and it seems to have already started working. The Italian has brought in M’Baye Niang and Mauro Zarate from Serie A and while the Argentinian made his debut against Burnley last week, the French international has been on fire. Niang got his first goal of Premier League last game against Burnley that proved to be the winner. The attack will be led by their skipper Troy Deeney.
