Predicted Manchester United line-up v Watford

In the week a door closed on one chance of silverware, another opens for Manchester United.

United have another home fixture, against a Watford side who sit sixth in the Championship.

United beat Watford 3-0 at home last season and will be confident of a win even with a rotated line up.

Many changes are expected, and we are forecasting nine in total. So to make things easier, lets look first at the two players likely to retain their places…

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Dean Henderson: This will be two starts in a week for Henderson and his second ever game at Old Trafford. He is United’s cup goalkeeper and should retain his place.

Victor Lindelof: Eric Bailly must be saved for a more physical battle at Burnley, and Lindelof needs to pick up his sharpness after a short stint out with injury.

The nine players coming in

To partner Lindelof at the back Axel Tuanzebe should come in for his first start of 2021.

Alex Telles will also likely be in at left-back, while Timothy Fosu-Mensah may get a rare start at right-back, although Brandon Williams will also be in contention.

Nemanja Matic will be required to give some solidity to the United midfield while all four players who started in midweek will sit out.

Donny van de Beek should get the start alongside Matic, with Jesse Lingard and Juan Mata both making rare starts in midfield too.

This midfield set up is similar to the ones used in the early Carabao Cup rounds, and United were able to get through those without conceding a goal.

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Dan James is likely to start too, with Mason Greenwood getting an opportunity as a striker, with Edinson Cavani serving the last of his three-game ban.

Odion Ighalo will be on the bench and should come on in the second half for what could be a farewell appearance ahead of his loan deal ending at the end of the month.