Manchester United have the potential to gain on two of their Premier League rivals this weekend when they take on Watford at Vicarage Road.
A victory over the struggling Hornets would allow them to throw down the gauntlet to Chelsea and Tottenham who play later on Sunday.
The Red Devils could potentially overtake Tottenham, while they could also see themselves move within one point of the Blues depending on the result in north London.
It would hand manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a huge boost over the festive period and bolster their chances of making the top four this season despite a tumultuous campaign.
Watford and new boss Nigel Pearson won’t be rolling over for United though as they have their own worries, sitting bottom of the table and six points adrift of safety.
They looked improved against Premier League leaders Liverpool so might pull off a surprise on home soil, but who will be starting for both teams?
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Watford team news
The Hornets are set for a boost ahead of their fixture with Manchester United as Adam Masina and Roberto Pererya should return to their squad. Both missed the defeat to Liverpool.
Long-term absentee Jose Holebas (ankle) remains sidelined, along with Tom Cleverley (heel), Danny Welbeck (hamstring), Sebastian Prodl, and Daryl Janmaat.
New signing Joao Pedro has now met up with his new club-mates but is ineligible to play for them until January.
Predicted Watford XI
Manchester United team news
It certainly appears the injury crisis at Old Trafford is easing but Solskjaer won’t have several star players back immediately.
He told reporters: “We’re getting players back. We’re getting Paul (Pogba) back, we’re getting Timothy (Fosu-Mensah) back, Eric Bailly back, Diogo (Dalot) back so that’s four extra bodies for us for the coming months anyway.
“Diogo is playing tonight in the game for the youngsters (against AC Milan) so from then on he’s ready.
“Eric, Tim and Paul probably need a little more time.”
Man United predicted XI
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