Watford have endured a terrific start to their season as the Hornets have won four consecutive matches under the tutelage of Javi Gracia. They currently sit above both the Manchester clubs in the table. They are expected to provide stiff competition to United this Saturday, and here we discuss how Watford could line up to face Jose Mourinho’s team in the weekend.
Along with form, their fortune is also favouring them with Gracia handed no new injury worries with Gerard Deulofeu and Tom Cleverly the players remaining out.
Formation: 4-2-2-2
Defence
Ben Foster will guard the sticks on Saturday and the veteran England custodian will look to deliver a commendable performance against a team he once represented.
Daryl Janmaat and Jose Holebas will occupy the fullback spots in the four-man backline. Janmaat is a major offensive force from the right flank. He delivered 3 key passes in his last outing and will look to do more of the same.
Christian Kabasele and Craig Cathcart will form the core of the defensive line, and they will be tasked with keeping Lukaku quiet. The Belgian is in terrific form and will be a real handful for the Watford defence.
Midfield
Abdoulaye Doucoure will add steel and guile to the side. His work rate and ability to break down opposition attacks in second to none and Gracia will hope he brings his A-game tomorrow.
Etienne Capoue will accompany Doucoure in the defensive midfield position, as both of them will adopt a relatively conserved role. However, Doucoure would gradually adopt a more advanced role as the game progresses too.
Will Hughes will be the important creative presence of the side. His ability to pick out pockets of spaces in the opposition half, the tendency to accurately deliver the perceived pass and goal-scoring knack are important aspects that help the Hornets induce some creativity in this side.
Roberto Pereyra, who has started the season alongside Hughes, has already scored three Premier League goals in four matches this season.
Attack
Andre Gray and Troy Deeney will complement each other in the frontline. They both are exceptional workers off-the-ball too, but here, Deeney’s strong mentality and the finishing abilities would be tested. Gray will try to link the midfield with the attack by playing between the lines, as Deeney would look forward to capitalizing on the chances presented to him.