Preview - Manchester United vs Watford 13 May 2018

[Harry85]

Match Day 38
Manchester United vs Watford
Sunday, May 13th, 2018
23:00pm (GMT+8 Timing)
Stadium: Old Trafford

Manchester United: 
Last five matches form: W W W L D
Average goals per match: 1.81
Average goals against per match: 0.76
Top Scorer: Romelu Lukaku (16)


Watford:
Last five matches form: L L D L W
Average goals per match: 1.19
Average goals against per match: 1.70
Top Scorer: Abdoulaye Doucouré (7)

With second position already locked up in the league and the FA Cup Final against Chelsea still to come, expect a much-changed line-up for United here, with the likes of Anthony Martial, Michael Carrick and Daley Blind seeming likely to start. Romelu Lukaku and Marouane Fellaini are out injured.

Watford meanwhile may be struggling to even get eleven fit players to take to the field. With no fewer than 11 players either out or doubtful ahead of this game, there can't be much room left in the Watford treatment room now. Luckily, they, like United, have very little to play for here. A poor second half to the season has resulted in a slump to 13th in the table, but they are well clear of the relegation zone and so have comfortably achieved their main objective for the season.

Watford did stop the rot with a win over Newcastle last week, and played well in snatches against Spurs in their most recent away game. It's hard to ignore a record of 10 defeats in their past 11 away outings though, and whatever side United put out should still just about have enough to despatch this side.

The first match between the sides resulted in a 4-2 victory for United and with Watford having conceded at least twice in four of their last five away games, something similar might be on the cards here.



 Prediction: Manchester United 3 - 2 Watford

[Harry85]

Half time: 1 - 0
Full time: 1 - 0
Shots:  7 - 7
Shots on target: 1 - 3
Corner Kicks: 6 - 5
Possession: 51% - 49%

Four bookings dished out by referee Lee Mason at Old Trafford, all for the home side. Marcos Rojo, Ashley Young, Scott McTominay and Luke Shaw the men to have their names taken.

Not a great display this from a much-changed Manchester United line-up, with Jose Mourinho picking a side very much with next weekends FA Cup Final in mind. In the end though one shot on target was enough as they recorded a narrow success.

When United did take the lead in the 38th minute it was oh so simple. A long ball from Michael Carrick seeing Juan Mata beat the offside trap, and as the keeper came out to meet him playing the ball to his right to allow Marcus Rashford to tap into an empty net.

Watford's best chance fell to Richarlison in the 44th minute. Time seemed to stand still when the Brazilian found himself totally unmarked and on the end of a Daryl Janmaat cross from the left. His header was low and towards the corner, but Sergio Romero got down well to palm it behind.

Manchester United and Jose Mourinho still have their detractors, but they were nevertheless too good for all bar a truly exceptional Manchester City side over the course of the season, and with big investment over the summer no doubt forthcoming, they remain best placed to close the gap on the new champions.

For Watford this was really a season of two halves, a very bright opening followed by a largely lacklustre second half of the campaign, although their performance levels did pick up again in the closing weeks. They finish up in 14th position which must go down as a slight disappointment considering the start they had.