Manchester United will be looking to exact revenge on the Hornets after the latter had defeated them sensationally back at Vicarage Road where the scoreline read 3-1 in favour of the home team. But United are a different team now and have gelled magnificently since that early phase. The likes of Pogba and Mkhitaryan are looking good and settled while Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been banging in goals for fun.
But Watford will be up for the challenge and although the odds are heavily tilted towards Manchester United with the game being at Old Trafford, the recent form of the Hornets will give Mazzarri some hope. They are undefeated in their last 4 and are on a 2-match winning streak with one of the wins coming against Arsenal.
Let us take a look at the 3 key battles which will have an impact on the final result of the match.
YOUNES KABOUL VS ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC
Kaboul hasn’t impressed as much as Mazzarri would have hoped and his experience will be needed in abundance against Manchester United. Teams have seen that maintaining a solid and compact shape and remaining disciplined over the 90 minutes with a good goalkeeping display, makes it difficult for United to break down and the results have been there for all to see. Kaboul has to marshall the defence and one of his main jobs will be to keep out Zlatan Ibrahimovic which easier said than done. The Swede has been in impeccable form and it will be an interesting contest between the two feisty players.
ETIENNE CAPOUE VS PAUL POGBA
Capoue was the main reason for Watford’s early season form and although he has been shifted into a slightly deeper role now, he has had an important role to play. A dominant figure in midfield, he has been impressive and will have to come up with the goods once again as they make their way to the Old Trafford.
He has to contain Paul Pogba and the two Frenchmen will have a go at each other. Keeping Pogba will go a long way in stifling the Red Devils and Capoue has to be up for the job.
TROY DEENEY VS ERIC BAILLY
Deeney has stepped up at crucial junctures this season and having seen his partner Ighalo depart for the East having lost his previous season’s form. And he has to again come up with the goods if Watford are to cause United any trouble. But he will have to get past the likes of Eric Bailly and Smalling. Bailly has been impressive for United whenever he has played and Deeney will have to bring his experience and make use of his clever movements to navigate past the Ivorian.
