Manchester United return and the drama surrounding the club is bound to be ramped up as they visit Watford.
Claudio Ranieri’s side will be desperate to grind out a result here in the bid to beat the drop, but nothing short of a victory will do for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as he endures intense pressure to save his job.
A humbling 2-0 loss at home to rivals Manchester City in the derby exposed United and demonstrated just how far off the required level they remain. Emile Smith Rowe denied a spirited Watford display at the Emirates, securing a 1-0 win for the Gunners, leaving the Hornets just two points clear of the drop zone.
Solskjaer maintains the pressure coming into the match, with the Red Devils five points off a top-four place and a further four to league leaders Chelsea, can be an advantage: “It’s been a long international break but it’s one that we’ve utilised to our benefit, we feel it’s been a good response from the players and we’re ready for the Watford game. We’ve been through periods like this before. Our away form, we’ve just gone 30-odd games and lost one. Last season we turned it around and went on a run of 20-odd games and one defeat, that’s the kind of run we need to get back. This week we’ve prioritised a few things we have to improve on. Form and performances haven’t been good enough.”
Follow live goal and score updates and build-up from Vicarage Road, including analysis and reaction as the Premier League returns, following the conclusion of Leicester vs Chelsea:
