Having picked up 9 points from their last 5 games in the league, Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United have moved closer to a place in the top-4 in the Premier League points table. The manager will be happy with his team’s performance on their trip to the King Power in the previous round and they will hope to continue their winning run this weekend when they face Walter Mazzari’s Hornets who have won their last two games in the competition.
Watford have a decent team that will surely test the Red Devils but having found some form recently, Mourinho’s side are expected to take all three points from this game. The manager is expected to play his strongest lineup for this tie and here is the predicted lineup he might field on the night:
Team News:
In early team news, Jose Mourinho is sweating over the fitness of defensive duo Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo. While Rojo ahas returned to training, Jones will be assessed late. The manager will, however, welcome the likes of Wayne Rooney and Luke Shaw, both of whom are expected to play a role on the night.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
David de Gea:
After a comfortable game against the Champions, De Gea will hope to have a similar night this weekend against Watford.
Antonio Valencia:
The first choice right-back for Manchester United, Valencia has been superb in recent game for the side and should keep his place in the side for this tie.
Chris Smalling:
The English defender started the previous game in the absence of Jones and he is expected to start if his fellow countryman is not declared fit for the weekend.
Eric Bailly:
Having got a few minutes under his belt at the King Power, Bailly is expected to partner Smalling at the back in the absence of Marcos Rojo through injury.
Luke Shaw:
Though not used recently, Shaw is fully fit and back in action and Mourinho should give him a chance on the night in the absence of key players.
Ander Herrera:
The Spaniard has been the most impressive midfielder for United this season and he is expected to start this game against the Hornets.
Michael Carrick:
The veteran midfielder adds balance to the Manchester United team and will have to play a major role if they are to run away with all three points.
Paul Pogba:
The French midfielder is slowly finding his feet in the Premier League and this game at the weekend is the perfect time for him to put in a match-winning performance for his side.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan:
The Armenian winger is in sublime form at the moment and will be a constant threat for Watford on the right-flank in this tie.
Marcus Rashford:
The youngster has not been productive recently but Jose Mourinho might turn to him from the start in this Premier League tie.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic:
Still breaking records, the Swede was unplayable against the Foxes and will hope to put in a similar performance at the Old Trafford this weekend.
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