BBC football expect Mark Lawrenson has backed Manchester United to pick up a victory in the final game of the Premier League campaign against Watford on Sunday afternoon.
United sealed the second spot in the league standings after a rather dull 0-0 stalemate at West Ham on Thursday night and Jose Mourinho is expected to ring in the changes for the Hornets clash.
The likes of Sergio Romero, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial are due to earn some much-needed gametime and the match will also witness a farewell for Michael Carrick, who is due to retire at the end of season.
Writing in his BBC Sport column, Lawrenson has fancied a victory for Mourinho’s men which would propel them to the 80-point mark for the first time since the victorious 2012/13 season under Sir Alex Ferguson.
He said: “It’s been a bit of a strange season for Manchester United, but they are going to finish second and they could win the FA Cup too. I am expecting United to win and pass the 80-point mark, which has been enough to win the title in four seasons during the Premier League era, but they never got close to City this year.”
Mourinho decide to adopt a three-man central defence during the recent goalless draw against West Ham United and the Portuguese could replicate the setup versus the Hornets in preparation for the FA Cup final.
Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are likely candidates to slot into the central defensive positions on Sunday and the pair could realistically partner Smalling when they take on Chelsea at the Wembley.
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