The final stage of the season begins and top 4 spot seeking Manchester United host the Europa League chasing 8th placed Watford at Old Trafford!
Man Utd hare so far had a great week as they’ve officially appointed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the permanent manager and will seek to end the week with a win against a dangerous Watford side.
Man Utd have been nothing short of sensational under Solskjaer in his stint at Old Trafford in the first 3 months (14W 2D 3L), however they did enter the international break hitting a little dip in form as they picked up back to back losses to Arsenal and Wolves. Whether it’s just a blip or a ticket back to reality we’ll have to wait and see during these final stages of the season. This is a massive game for United as they’re currently 2 points off the 4th placed Arsenal.
Watford themselves have had a great season for their standards. Currently 8th and with a place in the FA Cup Semi Final, this season has been a great success for Watford which has got them believing that they could get Europa League football from which they’re just 1 point off (7th placed Wolves).
Watford are showing some solid form winning 5 of their last 7 across all competitions and have most recently knocked off Crystal Palace to reach an FA Cup Semi Final so in terms of confidence and morale, Watford should be at an all time high which makes them a dangerous side to play against this weekend.
Man Utd have been relatively solid at Old Trafford this season, only one defeat to Spurs in the league from 14 games in front of their fans. Under Ole their home form has been surprisingly a little worse than away form across all competitions (5W 2D 1L), but it still is one of the toughest places to come and win for opponents in England.
Watford are an average away side, they’re pretty much just as good on their travels (20 pts) as they are at home (23 pts) in the league. Watford have only lost 3 of their last 9 BPL away games, if you include FA Cup games it’d be just 3 losses from last 12 away games. Although they have been good away from home in 2019, they did get battered in their last two away games 5-0 to Liverpool and 3-1 to Man City and in general they have lost at every big away ground this season so far (Anfield, Etihad, Wembley and Emirates) so despite being okay away from home, they’ve struggled in big away grounds.
Paul Pogba is the man to watch for Man Utd. There’s no need to say what he’s been bringing to the side since Ole took over. Pogba been by far their best player whether scoring or creating and will be expected to once again have a big game for United.
As for Watford, the duo of Troy Deeney and Gerard Deulofeu is the one to watch. Deeney is the top scorer with 8 goals while Deulofeu has been in some sensational form with 4G 2A in his last 4 BPL apps including bagging a hattrick at Cardiff not so long ago. Either one of these two could cause a ton of problems for United.
Man Utd have won the reverse meeting away from home against Watford 1-2 back in September. Looking at H2H lately, United have owned Watford really winning 4 straight against them and 10 of last 11 league games against Watford. United won each of their last 5 home games against Watford as well.
Man Utd are tipped bookies favourites to win this game at 1.44 whereas Watford are offered as big underdogs at 8.00 while Draw is 4.85. Odds based on Unibet.
Team News
Manchester United: Shaw, Matic, Rashford and Martial are all expected to be fit for this game meanwhile Romelu Lukaku and Eric Bailly will likely be out and Ashley Young is available after serving a suspension in the FA Cup against Wolves.
Watford: Tom Cleverley is sidelined otherwise Watford don’t seem to have any serious injury concerns. Jose Holebas is expected to be fit to play.
Betting Stats
Man Utd have covered 71.4% of their total goal overs at home this season (10-1-3). Best percentage in the BPL.
Man Utd have covered 35.7% of their 1st half total goal overs at home this season (5-3-6) however. More goals in their 2nd halves at home.
Man Utd average 1.71 bookings per game at home in the BPL this season (24 bookings in 14 games).
Paul Pogba is Man Utd’s top scorer at Old Trafford in the league with 8 home BPL goals this season.
Man Utd have only covered 35.7% of their Handicaps at home in the BPL this season (5-1-8).
Man Utd have covered 50% of their 1st half Handicaps at home in the BPL this season (7-1-6).
Watford have covered 43.8% of their total goal overs away from home in the BPL this season (7-1-8).
Watford have covered 31.2% of their total 1st half goal overs away from home in the BPL this season (5-6-5).
Watford average 2.25 bookings per game away from home in the BPL this season (36 bookings in 16 games).
Troy Deeney is Watford’s top scorer away from home with 6 away goals in the BPL this season. Gerard Deulofeu has 5 away goals.
Watford have covered 68.8% of their Handicaps away from home in the BPL this season (11-1-4). 2nd best percentage in the league.
Watford have covered 43.8% of their 1st half Handicaps away from home in the BPL this season (7-4-5).
KICK OFF – 30th March 2019 – 3pm UK Time
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