PREMIER LEAGUE expert Adam Goodwin (@AGJournalism) unpicks the Saturday evening clash as Watford host Man Utd.
Watford v Man Utd | Saturday 15th September 2018, 17:30 | BT Sport
After an electric start to the season, Watford are one of just three teams on maximum points after four games. They take on a Manchester United side who have struggled to find any real consistency in the opening few weeks of the season.
Watford
Five wins out of five in all competitions for Javi Gracia’s side this season and the Hornets are looking in good nick ahead of this game. There were claims that they hadn’t been tested after victories over Brighton, Crystal Palace and Burnley, but people are now starting to sit up and pay attention after a 2-1 win over Tottenham before the international break. They only had three shots and one on target in that game, but it was enough to secure a win against a previously unbeaten Spurs side.
The international break probably came at the wrong time for Watford after their impressive start, but this side will be keen to get back into club action again. An evening game, under the lights, at home to a vulnerable Manchester United side, I’m think they’ll fancy their chances.
Man Utd
After a coming through a minor crisis after back-to-back defeats, Jose Mourinho’s men secured a solid 2-0 away win at Burnley before the international break. It wasn’t particularly exciting, but it was a much-needed win. However, Marcus Rashford was sent off after an altercation with Phil Bardsley and Paul Pogba, who had started the season impressively, had a poor penalty saved by Joe Hart.
It’s hard to say that things are all fine and dandy at United and with Mourinho still undoubtedly unhappy with defence, he’ll be tentative when coming up against a team who have already scored nine goals this season.
Best bets
Watford will be a similar test to the one that the Red Devils failed against Brighton a few weeks ago and I imagine that Javi Gracia will have definitely taken a detailed look at that game. Brighton conceded quite a lot of possession but were keen to attack the United back four and it was Glenn Murray, in particular, who caused them problems. Troy Deeney will be more than happy to take up that talismanic role at Vicarage Road on Saturday evening. I think United are too short here and the I like the look of the 2/1 available with Paddy Power on Watford Draw No Bet.
After a 2-1 win against Arsenal last season Troy Deeney said: “Whenever I play Arsenal, I'll go up and think, ‘Let me whack the first one and see who wants it.’” You’d say that he’ll have a similar attitude when coming up against a frail Manchester United defence this Saturday. Deeney hasn’t been carded so far this season but I wouldn’t be surprised if he was to pick up his first caution of the campaign here. It’s available at 6/1 with Bet 365.
Best Bets
Watford v Man Utd – Watford draw no bet (2/1 Paddy Power)
Watford v Man Utd – Troy Deeney to be carded (6/1 Bet365)
