Manchester United predicted XI vs Watford: Solskjaer to make changes after Europa League trip
Solskjaer has many defenders in his squad.
Manchester United return to Premier League action on Sunday as they welcome relegation threatened Watford to Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side play just three days after a 1-1 draw away to Club Brugge in their Europa League last-32 first-leg tie.
Having defeated Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge last Monday, the Red Devils know another league victory is needed to keep them in the race for a top-four finish.
But having lost to an improved Watford side 2-0 back in December, United will be very wary of the threat Nigel Pearson’s team can pose.
So which players will be tasked with the challenge of picking up a vital three points? Here we predict Solskjaer’s XI…
Goalkeeper: Sergio Romero played in Brugge on Thursday but first choice stopper David de Gea will return between the sticks for the match against Watford, especially after his Argentine understudy made an error which led to the Belgian side’s goal.
Defenders: Solskjaer has opted for a back-three with wing backs in his past two matches and could continue with that after conceding just one goal in those games. That means Brandon Williams will continue on the left with Aaron Wan-Bissaka coming in for Diogo Dalot on the right. In the centre, Eric Bailly made an impressive return against Chelsea and should come in for Victor Lindelof to play alongside Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw.
Midfielders: Fred and Bruno Fernandes dropped to the bench on Thursday but are expected to return to the starting line-up for this one. Despite Scott McTominay being available for selection once again, Nemanja Matic should keep his place with Solskjaer sticking with the same three who started the win against Chelsea.
Forwards: Dan James has struggled for form and goals in recent months but Solskjaer is expected to stick with the Wales international for the visit of Watford. Anthony Martial, who’s scored in the past two matches, will continue to lead the line, meaning Odion Ighalo and Mason Greenwood are set to start from the bench.
Predicted XI: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Maguire, Shaw, Williams; Matic, Fred, Fernandes; James, Martial.