On Saturday, Manchester United (5 wins, 4 losses, 2 draws) will travel to Vicarage Road to take on Watford (3-7-1). Kickoff is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET. Below, we preview the Watford vs. Manchester United odds and lines, and make our best EPL bets, picks and predictions.
Manchester United hasn’t played an EPL game in two weeks due to the international break. That said, the last time they took the pitch in the Manchester derby, they were defeated 2-0.
This will be a crucial match for them. Raphaël Varane and Paul Pogba will both be out with Marcus Rashford doubtful as well. United will be shorthanded on the road.
As for the Watford, they’ll be down Juraj Kucka. He’s one of their top-three players in terms of minutes played. Watford lost to Arsenal their last time on the pitch as Kucka received an 89th-minute red card.
That said, despite being at home, they’ll be underdogs in this one.
Watford vs. Manchester United: Odds, picks and predictions
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Watford +520 (bet $100 to win $520) | Manchester United -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Draw +350
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -150 | U: +120)
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Prediction
Manchester United 2, Watford 1
Money line (ML)
PASS on the money line with a slight “lean” to Manchester United because I think the absence of Kucka will be more detrimental than the absence of Pogba.
While I wouldn’t typically advise it, parlaying the Man U lean with BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE at -125 are the only way to get great odds. Individually, both teams to score is a better bet.
Man U has superstar Cristiano Ronaldo expected to play. He’s scored 4 goals in 7 starts. Bruno Fernandes and Mason Greenwood, both also have 4 goals, should be active.
On the other side of the pitch is a Watford team that has scored more than a goal per game. Man U hasn’t defeated well either, so I expect Watford to get on the board.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET on the OVER 2.5 (-150) as the better side.
It’s still a bit rich for my liking, but the offensive power on the pitch should result in goals scored. Also, having both teams down its best midfielders could actually bode well for the opponent getting into its attack.
Man U has scored 19 and given up 17 in 11 matches. Watford has scored 12 and given up 19 in 11. Watford’s defense will be exposed by the attacking United trio.
Given its flaws as well, Watford could certainly score at least one as well.
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