Manchester United vs Watford predicted line-ups: Team news ahead of FA Cup tie tonight


Manchester United are likely to place even greater importance on the FA Cup this season than they did last week after suffering a loss in the Carabao Cup semi-final to rivals Manchester City.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side welcome Watford to Old Trafford looking to ease into the fourth round of the cup in pursuit of his first piece of silverware in charge of the Red Devils, who appear to have a promising future with Ivorian wonderkid Amad Diallo joining from Atalanta this week.

Solskjaer will be conscious of United’s inability to break through in the business end of competitions, having suffered a fourth semi-final defeat this week.

READ MORE: Premier League fixtures and table – all matches by date and kick-off time

With a deep squad and plenty of players eager to prove themselves and in need of minutes to remain happy at the club through the January transfer window. The likes of Donny Van de Beek will be pushing for a start here as United look to remain fresh over the coming months with a potential run in the Europa League and a title challenge, with the opportunity to go clear of champions Liverpool with their game in hand.

Solskjaer confirmed United’s intent for the game and the competition in genera: “We entered this competition wanting to win. That’s what we want to. There are a few players who had a few knocks and there will be a few changes, but we’ll still field a team that I feel confident in.”

READ MORE: Manchester United could ‘do a lot worse’ than to sign Sergio Ramos from Real Madrid, says Dimitar Berbatov

Independent Football Newsletter

Get the latest football headlines direct to your inbox twice a week

Read our full mailing list consent terms here

Independent Football Newsletter

Get the latest football headlines direct to your inbox twice a week

Read our full mailing list consent terms here

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match at Old Trafford.

When is the match?

The game kicks off at 8pm on Saturday, 9 January 2021.

Where can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on BT Sport 1 / BT Sport Ultimate. The game can also be streamed by subscribers on BT Sport’s app and desktop website.

What is the team news?

Facundo Pellistri will not be involved due to contracting Covid-19, meaning he will now self-isolate. Amad Diallo is not yet training with the first team after joining this week.Solskjaer has confirmed that Odion Ighalo will be involved against his former club. Rotation could see Eric Bailly and Jesse Lingard could be involved.

Craig Cathcart and Joao Pedro have returned to training after recovering from injury. Domingos Quina, Isaac Success and Stipe Perica will all be out. While Christian Kabasele is likely to also be out with a knee injury.

Predicted line-ups

Man United XI: Henderson, Tuanzebe, Bailly, Maguire, Telles, Matic, Van de Beek, James, Mata, Lingard, Greenwood

Watford XI: Bachmann, Navarro, Troost-Ekong, Wilmot, Masina, Hughes, Chalobah, Cleverley, Sarr, Gray, Deeney

Odds

Man United: 3/10

Draw: 5/1

Watford: 17/2

Prediction

United should bounce back here and with the option to freshen up his side with some squad players eager to impress, we’ll go for a 3-1 United win and a positive reaction to their midweek setback.

Source: Read Full Article