MAN UTD vs. WATFORD

In a few hours time, United will kick-off their Premiership match against Watford, looking to maintain their 6 points over Chelsea, with Liverpool lurking 2 point behind Chelsea after their win at Upton Park yesterday.  Watford will be without Danny Shittu and Foster, the United on-loan goalie.  I’m pretty glad that Premiership prohibit players on load to play against their parent club as the memory of Morientes torturing his own club, Real Madrid during his loan time at Monaco in the Champions League is still vivid.  His career was never been the same after he returned to Madrid from that pretty successful Monaco spell.

Back to the game, United, on the other, will be on full-squad with Ronaldo and van der Sar back into the games after being rested at the FA Cup win against Portsmouth at home.  Playing at home, expected United to play high tempo early in the game, and trying to settle into an early lead. The key would be on Scholes and Carrick controlling the midfield and breaking plays to give a few steps advantage for Ronaldo and Giggs on the flanks to split the defense.  Larsson will partner Rooney up front as Saha is still not coming back 100%.

If United were able to take an early lead, it’ll be United all over, however, if Watford managed to hold it until the hour mark, they might have a chance to snatch something memorable, much like what Sunderland did to United last year.  So, United to be on a high alert especially Watford is on high spirit following a 2 match winning run and a dog-fight all the way into the end of season for relegation battle.

mindcubes’ longtail: After the slip at Arsenal, I think United players got the idea.  Converting chances and an alert defense is the key to winning championships.  United, with a fresh Ronaldo running at defense, should be able to get the first of 12 wins that Sir Alex mentioned needed to win back the EPL crown this season.  UNITED 4 – WATFORD 1