Manchester United will continue their quest for a top-four finish when Watford make the trip to Old Trafford on Wednesday night.
While the hosts have the Champions League at the forefront of their thinking, the visiting Hornets know that a victory will see them reach the coveted 40-point mark.
Man United
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Just when it seemed that all hope had been abandoned, United manager Louis van Gaal has been granted a stay of execution thanks to the most unlikely of sources.
The truth is that Marcus Rashford, who many people had not heard of a week ago, would not have even been in recent matchday squads had reserve striker Will Keane not picked up a groin injury during the 3-0 win over Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup 10 days ago.
The previously untested 18-year-old has grabbed his unexpected chance with both hands, making himself an instant star in the process. Rashford has helped himself to four goals in victories over FC Midtjylland and Arsenal and in doing so has lifted a lot of the gloom that had descended on Old Trafford.
Van Gaal has been quick to play down the inevitable hype that has met Rashford's rise to prominence, while some reports have claimed that the player is keen to prove himself before committing to a more lucrative contract.
While those two are doing their best not to get too carried away, the same perhaps cannot be said for some of the United faithful.
They have seen a squad decimated by injuries pick up three victories on the bounce thanks to a combination of youth and experience. All of a sudden, the Red Devils are going into matches with expectation levels rising ever so slightly.
Recent form: WLWDLW
Recent form (all competitions): DLLWWW
Watford
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When the managerial awards are dished out at the end of the campaign, it is probably going to be a straight battle between Claudio Ranieri and Mauricio Pochettino.
Yet, while his side may not be in contention for the title, Quique Flores will have every right to feel slightly aggrieved if his name is not even fleetingly mentioned in relation to those gongs.
Watford were among the favourites to be relegated at the start of the season and the reasoning behind such a viewpoint was understandable.
After all, they had a new head coach in Flores that had never previously experienced the demands of the Premier League, while a revolving door seemed to have been installed at Vicarage Road as numerous players came and went.
However, Flores's men have defied the doubters to currently sit 12th in the table, 13 points above the bottom three.
They make the trip to the North-West having lost only four of their 11 matches in all competitions this calendar year.
Recent form: LWDLWD
Recent form (all competitions): WDLWWD
Team News
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There is a chance that Van Gaal may use this opportunity to take Rashford out of the firing line, despite his recent good form.
Anthony Martial has recovered from a hamstring injury and the Frenchman could come into the side at the England youth international's expense.
Chris Smalling has also overcome a shoulder complaint and should start, which in turn is likely to push Michael Carrick into a more natural midfield role.
Matteo Darmian is also back in contention, but skipper Wayne Rooney remains on the sidelines with a knee ligament injury.
As for Watford, boss Flores has no new injury concerns to contend with, although he has conceded that he may rotate his starting linuep in a bid to keep his players fresh.
Man United possible starting lineup:
De Gea; Varela, Smalling, Blind, Darmian; Carrick, Herrera; Mata, Lingard, Depay; Martial
Watford possible starting lineup:
Gomes; Nyom, Britos, Cathcart, Ake; Capoue, Watson, Suarez; Amrabat, Deeney; Ighalo
Head To Head
You have to go all the way back to September 1986 to find Watford's last win over United.
Since then, United have won each of the 10 meetings between the two sides.
As far as Old Trafford is concerned, the Hornets have prospered there just once - 38 years ago in the League Cup.
Last November, United ran out 2-1 winners at Vicarage Road thanks to a stoppage-time own goal scored by Watford captain Troy Deeney.
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We say: Man United 2-1 Watford
While United's issues are far from fixed, they do at least appear to be playing with more freedom at present. Watford are an organised side and will provide some stern resistance, but Van Gaal's men may have enough quality and confidence to edge this encounter.
Liam Apicella
