Premier League preview and odds: Manchester United vs Watford

Published on: 01/03/2016

Premier League preview and odds: Manchester United vs Watford

March 02, 2016 19:45pm - Old Trafford

Premier League

Manchester United have not given up on a top-four finish in the Premier League and can strengthen their cause with a win at home to mid-table newcomers Watford at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

United finding some form after slump

It is way too early to proclaim that Manchester United are back to their best after a dire run of form, but they have shown glimpses of recovery in recent weeks.

The Red Devils followed up back-to-back FA cup and Europe League wins against lesser opposition (Shrewsbury and Midtjylland) with a 3-2 Premier League win over Arsenal at the weekend. They will now be looking to secure consecutive league wins for the first time since September when they host Watford on Wednesday.

Watford targeting top half finish

After a run of four straight defeats saw them plummet into the lower half of the Premier League table, Watford have bounced back with a run of five games featuring two wins, two draws and a single defeat.

The Hornets have continued to surprise since arriving from the Championship last summer and have never looked in danger of being relegated. With a total of 37 points on the board, it now looks certain that they will be playing Premier League football again next season.

In their last game, Quique Sanchez Flores` men were held to a 0-0 draw at home by fellow promoted side Bournemouth. Prior to that, they bagged a 2-1 away win at Crystal Palace.

Team news

United continue to top the injury table with Donald Love, Marcus Rojo, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Will Keane, Wayne Rooney, Matteo Darmian, Marouanne Fellaini, Phil Jones, Ashley Young, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Antonio Valencia and Luke Shaw all out of action. On a more positive note, Anthony Martial and Chris Smalling are both in line for a return.

Meanwhile, the visitors will be without Jose Jurado Marin and Joel Ekstrand.

Recent form (League)

Manchester United: WLDWL

Watford: DWLDW

Betting odds and tips

United have won three of their last four home games, while Watford have lost three of their last four away matches. When the teams met in the reverse fixture at Vicarage Road, it was the Manchester club that came out on top (1-2).

You can back the Home Win at 4/6 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 01/03/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (01/03/2016 15:37:31) but are subject to change.