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Manchester United will face Watford in the Premier League this weekend. They may be 11 spots and seven points ahead of Watford in the league table. But coming into this game, they are anything but clear favourites. In fact, United would be more than relieved to walk away with all three points from this game.
Both teams have won one of their last five league games, with Watford beating Everton and United beating Tottenham Hotspur. After that win, The Red Devils slumped to a 2-0 home loss to Manchester City last week. Watford, meanwhile, are coming off a 1-0 defeat at Arsenal.
While United are hopeful of a win in this game, four matchups could be key in the match's outcome. On that note, here's a look at the four matchups.
#1 Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) vs Nicolas Nkolou (Watford)
Cristiano Ronaldo scored three league goals in two games on his return to his former club. But he netted only once in his next six, with that strike coming against Tottenham.
However, this game against Watford is a great opportunity for the Portuguese international to get back into scoring form. That's because Watford are yet to keep a Premier League clean sheet this season. That could soon change, though, with Claudio Ranieri's first signing at Watford - Nicolas Nkoulou.
He returned to full fitness against Arsenal. Despite the loss, Nkoulou had a solid debut start for the club. It remains to be seen how he fares against United and Ronaldo, who has hit 3.5 shots per game this season.
The Cameroonian also has a strong aerial presence, winning both aerial duels he contested. Beating Ronaldo in the air could go a long way in Watford frustrating United on the night.
#2 Ismaila Sarr (Watford) vs Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
Ismaila Sarr has been Watford's best player this season, and their top scorer with four goals to his name. However, his goals have come against fellow relegation candidates - Aston Villa, Newcastle and Norwich City.
Nevertheless, playing on the right wing, he presents a constant goal threat, tallying 2.2 shots and two dribbles completed per game. He has also been fouled a massive 2.8 times per outing.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have kept only one clean sheet in their last five league games. The much-criticised Harry Maguire has made the most blocks (1.3 per game) for United, and could be vital in keeping Sarr in check.
Both Sarr and Maguire had excellent international breaks for their respective teams. So they will look to keep that momentum going in this game as well. It is advantage Maguire at the moment, but even one opening could be enough for the Senegalese to hurt United.
#3 Joshua King (Watford) vs Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
If Bruno Fernandes is the one who pulls the strings for Manchester United in attack, Joshua King does the same for Watford. They both lead their teams in key passes. Fernades' tally of 3.4 per game is double that of King's (1.7).
While King has the advantage in dribbles (0.8 to 0.7) per game, he has double the number of poor touches as Fernandes. The Portuguese also draws more fouls, and is dispossessed less often than King.
King's role under Ranieri has changed to make way for a more fluid attacking dynamic. Ismaila Sarr and Dennis play off him in the wings as he drops back to play key passes.
Fernandes can do more damage just by being the playmaker, with Ronaldo and Mason Greenwood up front. How effectively the United midfielder gets the ball to them could determine how the game pans out.
#4 Fred (Manchester United) vs Moussa Sissoko (Watford)
Fred might not be the flashiest of players for Manchester United, but he has been the one Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seems to trust. Fred has delivered more often than not this season.
He has the most tackles for the team (2.2 per game), and has the second-best average passes (55 per game). He has also delivered two long balls per game despite being a defensive midfielder.
Sissoko dons a similar role for Watford, making 1.2 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game. He is a much solid defensive player, though, getting dribbled past only 0.3 times per game as compared to Fred's 2.9.
Considering the way the two teams have played, this match might be one that gets decided in the centre of the pitch. That's where attacks are blunted and counters are launched. Fred and Sissoko could play key roles for their teams, and their battle could be an interesting one on the day.
