Manchester United vs. Watford: Odds, Live Stream, TV Schedule and Preview

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Watford won't be intimidated by Sunday's trip to Old Trafford having already beaten Manchester United once this season. The Hornets won 2-0 at Vicarage Road back in December, but Nigel Pearson's team is still not free from the threat of relegation from the Premier League.

Just one point separates Watford from safety, while United are three short in the race for the top four and a guaranteed place in next season's UEFA Champions League.

The Red Devils boosted their qualification hopes with a 2-0 win away to Chelsea last time out and could welcome midfield terrier Scott McTominay back into the squad following injury.

United can at least count on the pace and power of Anthony Martial up front. The Frenchman has scored in his last two games in all competitions, while former Watford frontman Odion Ighalo could be in line for a home debut after joining the Reds on loan in January.

Date: Sunday, February 23

Time: 2 p.m. GMT/9 a.m. ET

TV Info: NBCSN

Live Stream: NBC Sports Gold

Odds

• United: -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
• Watford: 500 (bet $100 to win $500)
• Draw: 285

Odds per Caesars Palace

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has outlined his intention to rotate following Thursday's 1-1 draw away to Club Brugge in the UEFA Europa League:

Ben Dinnery @BenDinnery

Solskjaer planning to rotate on Sunday. “We need to keep using the squad, we need to use the players and give them a chance to play their way into form because there’s so many games. Tonight was worth making the changes because Sunday we have a big game with Watford.” #MUFC

One player likely to start is Bruno Fernandes, who enjoyed an impressive 15-minute cameo in Belgium. United's £47 million January signing showed an appetite for taking shots on, as well as the vision and technique to unlock a defence with a wide range of through passes.

Statman Dave @StatmanDave

Manchester United averaged a shot every 2 minutes after Bruno Fernandes came on, compared to every 10 minutes before.

Willing to try his luck. 🎯🎯🎯 https://t.co/MTsMFwL3zy

Those qualities have been missing while Paul Pogba has remained on the shelf. Andreas Pereira has struggled to fill the creative void, while Juan Mata has been in and out of the lineup too often, only completing 90 minutes in the league twice since the turn of the year.

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More than a lack of guile, United's playmakers have suffered from not having a secure platform behind them. Breaking up play and shielding the defence is a job McTominay does well, but the 23-year-old has missed two months with a knee problem.

Even so, Solskjaer sounds confident the Scotland international can at least make Sunday's squad:

Ben Dinnery @BenDinnery

McTominay could return to the matchday squad on Sunday: “He had a rest day on [Thursday], so let's see how he is [on Friday]. I've not been surprised [by how quickly he has recovered] because that's the type that he is,” said Solskjaer. #MUFC

United will need some brawn in the middle of the park to help deal with Watford powerhouse Abdoulaye Doucoure. He's been revitalised since Pearson moved him into a more advanced role, scoring three times and providing an assist so far in 2020.

Doucoure's runs from deep support the strength of target man Troy Deeney and the pace and artistry of Gerard Deulofeu. Deeney was on the scoresheet during the home win over United, and Watford have the talent in the final third to spring another upset.

United have been inconsistent on home soil, having drawn 0-0 with Wolverhampton Wanderers and lost 2-0 to Burnley in their previous two league encounters at Old Trafford.

There are reasons for Pearson to be confident, but Martial, Fernandes and Ighalo give the Red Devils enough quality to edge a close-fought contest.

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