Can Manchester United end the season on a strong note, knowing they have the FA Cup final next week? That seems to be the biggest question for Manchester United here. The Red Devils have looked underwhelming – to say the least – in the past two games, losing to Brighton and settling for a 0-0 draw against West Ham United the last time out. Their final game of the season will be at home, as they will host Watford.
Team News
The Red Devils won’t have Romelu Lukaku and Marouane Fellaini. The duo has officially been confirmed as unavailable for this one, and their availability for the FA Cup final is in question. The squad is close to be at full strength, though. In fact Jose Mourinho has already announced some of the players that will start in this one. Sergio Romero, Eric Bailly, Daley Blind, Michael Carrick, Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are all set to play.
On the other hand, Watford won’t have six players for Sunday’s season finale. The list includes former Reds midfielder Tom Cleverley, who has a hamstring injury, but other important pieces won’t be playing as well. Defenders Younes Kaboul (fractured metatarsal) and Tommie Hoban (ACL knee injury), talented midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah (knee) and forwards Stefano Okaka (thigh) and Andre Carrillo (groin) have already been ruled out by the coaching staff.
Form Guide
Manchester United were finishing the season on a strong note, but their recent results have not been very good. They lost to Brighton and drew against West Ham, so winning against The Hornets is an imperative result for Mourinho’s men. Let’s be honest, momentum is everything. And as such, the worst thing United could do is enter the FA Cup final on a three-game winless run. Even though the latest results have not been very good, United have still posted a decent record over their last 10 Premier League outings. They have seven wins over that span (W7, D1. L2).
On the other hand, Watford were riding a seven-game winless run but they ended it last week thanks to a huge 2-1 win over Newcastle. That result granted Javi Gracia’s men their top-flight status for the fourth consecutive year next season. The Hornets, however, have struggled away from home. They have recorded just one solitary point on their travels since Javi Gracia was appointed manager in January. That lone point was a goalless draw against the already-relegated Stoke City. Their form over the past 10 games has been quite inconsistent, where they have registered W3, D2, L5.
What happened the last time these two sides met?
Manchester United won the prior PL meeting this season (4.2) back when Marco Silva was Watford’s manager. It was a nerve-wracking game that was ultimately decided by Jesse Lingard’s sensational goal. The all-time head-to-head record against Watford is quite positive, as United have won 13 of the last 14 encounters with Watford in all competitions. This includes the last four meetings between the sides at Old Trafford.
Prediction
Manchester United have been on top form despite a few bumps in the road. Plus, they are looking to get into the best shape possible for the FA Cup final. A three-game winless run before the FA Cup final is not the ideal scenario, so Manchester United should try to be at their best in this game. Expect them to secure the three points to end the Premier League campaign in style.
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