Manchester United host Watford in the third round of the FA Cup looking to bounce back after a midweek Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to rivals Manchester City.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been boosted already with the signing of Amad Diallo this week, with the young forward joining from Atalanta and set to boost the Red Devils’ forward line.
But Solskjaer will be conscious of losing another semi-final in charge at Old Trafford, and knows silverware is vital to validate his progress in charge, which could lead to a serious run at the FA Cup.
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United may still look to rotate their squad, given the need for the likes of Donny Van de Beek to gain minutes as United contend in Europe and in a potential title challenge, with the opportunity to go clear of champions Liverpool with their game in hand.
Solskjaer confirmed United’s intent for the game and the competition in genera: “We entered this competition wanting to win. That’s what we want to. There are a few players who had a few knocks and there will be a few changes, but we’ll still field a team that I feel confident in.”
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Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match at Old Trafford.
When is the match?
The game kicks off at 8pm on Saturday, 9 January 2021.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on BT Sport 1 / BT Sport Ultimate. The game can also be streamed by subscribers on BT Sport’s app and desktop website.
What is the team news?
Facundo Pellistri will not be involved due to contracting Covid-19, meaning he will now self-isolate. Amad Diallo is not yet training with the first team after joining this week.Solskjaer has confirmed that Odion Ighalo will be involved against his former club. Rotation could see Eric Bailly and Jesse Lingard could be involved.
Craig Cathcart and Joao Pedro have returned to training after recovering from injury. Domingos Quina, Isaac Success and Stipe Perica will all be out. While Christian Kabasele is likely to also be out with a knee injury.
Predicted line-ups
Man United XI: Henderson, Tuanzebe, Bailly, Maguire, Telles, Matic, Van de Beek, James, Mata, Lingard, Greenwood
Watford XI: Bachmann, Navarro, Troost-Ekong, Wilmot, Masina, Hughes, Chalobah, Cleverley, Sarr, Gray, Deeney
Odds
Man United: 3/10
Draw: 5/1
Watford: 17/2
Prediction
United should bounce back here and with the option to freshen up his side with some squad players eager to impress, we’ll go for a 3-1 United win and a positive reaction to their midweek setback.
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