After eventually making it past League Two side Colchester in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday night, Manchester United return to Premier League action when they take on Watford on Sunday afternoon.
The Red Devils have been in much better form in recent weeks in the top-flight, registering wins against rivals Tottenham and Manchester City, before drawing at home to a resurgent Everton. But against the Hornets, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will be facing a team down in the doldrums, languishing in bottom place with just nine points to their name.
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It all points to an easy three points on paper for the Manchester side, but as they have already shown this season, they can come unstuck against the Premier League’s lesser lights – just look at their defeats to the likes of Crystal Palace and Newcastle. And with that in mind, below is a look at how United may line up against Watford.
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After being rested in mid-week, David de Gea will no doubt resume duties as United’s number one goalkeeper. In front of him, Maguire will perhaps once again partner Victor Lindelof in central defence, whilst Luke Shaw may be dropped to the bench after playing two games in the space of a few days.
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In midfield, Fred and Scott McTominay should come straight back into the starting line-up to renew their partnership, whilst Jesse Lingard could be the one key change in terms of the attacking positions – Juan Mata being the man to make way.
That means teenage starlet Mason Greenwood keeps out Wales international Daniel James from the starting line-up. Whilst he didn’t manage to get on the score-sheet against Colchester, his equalising goal against Everton last time out in the Premier League prompted Solskjaer to admit that the academy product is “making it hard” for him to leave out. Going by that sentiment, the Norwegian will surely have to thrust the 18-year-old into the spotlight from the off in the league.
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