There’s always attention on Manchester United whenever and wherever they play, and rightfully so. They’re one of the megapowers of English football, and even after their dreadful season two years ago, their reputation is unmarred. They’re right back in the thick of things now, sitting in fourth place and just two points behind Arsenal and cross-town rival Manchester City for first place. A win today against Watford and favorable results elsewhere would see Manchester reclaim the coveted pole position, and all eyes will be on them to see them try to achieve their goals.
Manchester United vs. Watford 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch EPL online
An injury-battered Manchester United attack gets to face a somewhat stingy Watford defense at United try to take back first place.
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But what about Watford?
The Hornets have largely been forgotten this season, with most assuming that the newly-promoted team will just struggle along and either get relegated or just barely survive, as newly-promoted teams generally do. But Watford have quietly put together a very solid campaign, especially at home. Their defensive record at Vicarage road is fantastic, having given up just four goals in six matches there this season, helping guide them to 11th place this season and sitting just five points out of fifth place and a Europa League spot. A win today, against Manchester United no less, would help give Watford a massive boost to their confidence, and could launch them to even greater surprises down the road.
Key player -- Troy Deeney (Watford)
While Watford will mostly be looking to Odion Igalgo to actually score their goals, Deeney’s work is going to be vital in making sure that he gets the chances to find the back of the net. Deeney’s work up top to create space will be vital against a Manchester United defense that’s based around denying that space -- but if anyone can find a crack in the armor, it’s Deeney. The smart and tough veteran has been a vital presence in Watford’s attack this season, both with his physical play and for his surprisingly clever passing once he pulls attention to himself. Phil Jones and company are going to have their work cut out for them to keep Deeney in check.
Key factor -- Manchester United’s adaptability
Manchester United have been hammered by injuries in attack. Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial, the two players who have seen significant minutes at center forward this season, are both out. Marouane Fellaini would normally fill in as a makeshift target striker, but he’s out too. Winger-in-a-pinch Antonio Valenica is out. James Wilson is the only natural center forward in the team right now who’s even kind of healthy, and according to Louis Van Gaal, he’s not fit to play a full match.
That means that there’s a very real chance that we see one of Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, or Memphis Depay deployed as a false nine for long stretches of this match, which will certainly be a sight to see. None of the three have ever shown a lot of aptitude for the role, all being better deployed as wide forwards or behind a central striker. More than that, though, this Manchester side seems only moderately adaptable to having to make such a tactical switch in terms of who’s playing up top and how they’re playing, so how well the team as a whole adjusts to this necessary shift will go a long, long ways towards determining whether or not the Red Devils can get all three points today.
Watford injuries and suspensions
Out: Sebastian Prödl, Joel Ekstrand In doubt: Jose Manuel Jurado
Manchester United injuries and suspensions
Out: Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial, Michael Carrick, Marouane Fellaini, Antonio Valencia, Patrick McNair, Luke Shaw In doubt: James Wilson
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 7:45 a.m. ET, 12:45 p.m. local
Venue: Vicarage Road Stadium, , England
TV: NBCSN (U.S. - English), NBC Universo (U.S. - Spanish), TSN 1, 3, 5, RDS 2 (Canada), BT Sport 1 (U.K.)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), BT Sport Live Streaming (U.K.)
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