Watford Vs Manchester United
Watford Vs Manchester United Saturday, 20 November 2021 – 15:00 GMT
English Premier League
Pick: Manchester United WIN & Under 3.5 Goals
Odds: 6/5
Bookmaker: Betfair Bet Builder
(All betting odds correct at time of writing: 17 November 2021)
Preview: There may never be a more opportune moment for Watford to claim only their third ever Premier League victory against Manchester United than this Saturday at Vicarage Road, with the visitors struggling for form under their under fire manager.
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Table of Contents
Watford – Ranier prioritizing defence over goal threat?
A run of four defeats in five has Watford teetering above the Premier League relegation zone, two points ahead of a Burnley side in 18th whose recent results hint at signs of a recovery. The Hornet’s own form, however, will have alarm bells ringing ahead of a brutal stretch of fixtures which has them entertaining four of last season’s top five – Chelsea, Leicester and both Manchester outfits – in the next four.
First up is Manchester United. The Hornets retain a horrible record in this fixture, winning twice but losing twelve of fourteen Premier League meetings. They did, however, win the most recent clash held at Vicarage Road. Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring that day in a memorable 2-0 victory in December 2019 and, as the club’s leading scorer this season with four, looks a big price to repeat the same feat.
That being said, Watford have scored in just one of four games since Claudio Ranier took charge. In fact, no team has failed to score in more top-flight games this season than the Hornets (7). This includes recent defeats to Southampton and Arsenal, losing both via the same 1-0 scoreline. At least those outings hinted at more solidity at the back, something which had been sorely lacking prior to the Italians arrival.
Manchester United – Red Devils can rediscover spark on the road?
Another manager desperate to shore up his team’s defending is Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. After the 2-0 loss at Old Trafford in the Manchester derby immediately prior to the international break, United have now been breached defensively in seven of the past eight league games. Even more disconcerting, however, is that their form has disintegrated before the Norwegians eyes.
That pitiful defeat to Man City – it was arguably the most submissive performance I can ever recall Man Utd producing in a derby – made it one win and four points from six Premier League games. They conceded four or more to Leicester and Liverpool. Meanwhile they were indebted to Pep Guardiola’s charges for showing mercy in the second half at Old Trafford, somehow avoiding a similar massacre.
On a more positive note, United do boast a respectable record of W3 D1 L1 away from home this term. Yet it could be argued it is one which flatters them slightly. Southampton, West Ham and Wolves all caused problems, Tottenham were dire opponents who merely rolled over, while Leicester played them off the park at the King Power. Although Vicarage Road has been kind to them through the years.
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Watford Vs Manchester United Betting Advice
Pressure on the Man Utd boss continues to be unrelenting following one win in six league games (D2 L3). Admittedly it was a tough sequence, with games against Leicester, Liverpool and Man City in that time, but the performances throughout were alarming. This weekend’s trip to Vicarage Road, where they were beaten 2-0 on their most recent visit in December 2019, is absolutely a must-win for Solskjaer.
Watford Vs Manchester United – Key Facts:
- Neither team is bringing any noteworthy form into Saturday’s fixture. Watford have collected three of the last 15 points (W1 L4) whereas Man Utd have one win from their last six league games (W1 D1 L4).
- It is the visitors, however, who have dominated their meetings over the years. Man Utd winning all but two of the fourteen previous Premier League meetings (L2).
- Goals might be scarce. Watford couldn’t muster a single goal in three of their previous four league games while Man Utd netted no more than once in four of their last six.
Although I did genuinely dwell on the notion that the visitors were too short, that doesn’t necessarily mean I think they won’t win. Because they absolutely should, with their individual quality enough to see off mediocre opposition in Watford. The Hornets are coming off four defeats in five, failing to score in each said loss, and have created scoring chances worth less than a combined 1.0 xGF on six occasions already this season.
Best Betting Odds – Watford Vs Manchester United
Watford – 11/2 (BetVictor)
Draw – 7/2 (PaddyPower)
Manchester United – 1/2 (WilliamHill)
