Almost quietly, Manchester United pieced together a really good last week and a half of soccer. With no one else really stepping up to seize control of the Premier League, there's still an outside chance to go on a big time run and at least get into European competition for next year. The Red Devils should theoretically not have huge troubles against Watford at home on Wednesday as long as they keep their heads about them.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Manchester United -157
Watford +500
Draw +279
Over/Under 2.5 (under -140)
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Citizens have finally cracked the code to their offense of late, scoring 11 times in their last three matches. Sure, it's worth mentioning that two of those matches came against Shrewsbury and FC Midtjylland, but the three goals scored against Arsenal at home on Sunday were notable for sure.
History this season suggests that Louis van Gaal's side is going to take a step backwards now against a lesser Watford team. The oddsmakers though, aren't suggesting that to be the case with the Red Devils set at -157 on the moneyline.
The total is still very low, almost insisting that Man U's offensive woes from November through January haven't been fixed. The number to beat is the standard 2.5, but the vig of -140 suggests an easy under winner.
KEY INJURIES
United is starting to get some bodies back in training. Marcos Rojo was back against Arsenal on Sunday, but he had to be pulled out with an ankle problem at 55 minutes. Anthony Martial and William Keane both seem ready for selection again in the near future, and Phil Jones won't be far behind. Even Bastian Schweinsteiger could be back soon, though he won't be anywhere near ready for the duel against Watford.
Watford has a relatively clean bill of health right now, though it will still be without long-term absentees Tommy Hoban and Rene Gilmartin.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"We know the ability he's got, and we're really pleased for him. He's been training well, and he's had his ups and downs. Hopefully this can kick-start him and give him a lot of confidence." – Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick on the emergence of Memphis Depay these last few matches
RECENT FORM
Man U has won its last three, the biggest of which came on Sunday against Arsenal. That moved the Red Devils within three of Man City for that last coveted Champions League spot, though City does have a match in hand.
Watford, a team which isn't discussed a heck of a lot, has had a great debut season as a newcomer in the EPL. The Hornets are well clear of the relegation zone at 37 points, and there's a real chance they'll finish in the top half of the table. Their form isn't bad either. Sure, a scoreless draw against Bournemouth was disappointing, but the team is still 4-2-1 in its last seven across all competitions.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
The Watford defense has been great of late, but it hasn't really played against much in the way of top offensive teams either. We're not ready to anoint Manchester United as the beast offensively in England after a few really strong matches, but with Depay playing well and newcomer Marcus Rashford all of a sudden coming on and scoring in bunches, one has to wonder if the aging Wayne Rooney is set to be replaced for good now that he's injured.
If the Red Devils continue their forward-thinking in this one, they'll net at least one and probably two or more. They've only allowed seven goals all season long in Premier League play at Old Trafford, and they won't be conceding in this one against a sometimes offensively-challenged Watford side.
Manchester United 2, Watford 0
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Don’t miss out on getting paid because you couldn’t bet. Click here and deposit at BookMaker now! The fixture between Manchester United and Watford is scheduled for Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. ET at Old Trafford. The match will be televised live on NBC Sports Live Extra.
