Whites boss Daniel Farke made two changes to his side for Wednesday night’s clash at Hull City as Daniel James and Jamie Shackleton replaced Crysencio Summerville and Sam Byram who both dropped to the bench.
But Farke was forced into making a substitution with just 21 minutes on the clock as Willy Gnonto suffered an injury, the Italian replaced by Summerville who then excelled from the bench.
Another big stumbling block presented itself on the hour mark when centre-back lynchpin Joe Rodon was sent off after picking up a second booking. Farke reacted by withdrawing both Joel Piroe and James as Liam Cooper and Jaidon Anthony were introduced, Cooper stepping out for the first time since rupturing his plantar fascia in the opening weekend draw at home to Cardiff City.
Wednesday’s contest ultimately ended in a goalless draw, after which Farke said further assessment would be needed on Gnonto who took a knock to his foot and rolled his ankle.
Either way, at least one change against Watford is guaranteed due to Rodon now serving a one-match ban and this is the Whites XI that we think will step out against the Hornets.
7. CM: Archie Gray
The 17-year-old has already set a very high bar for himself given his impressive displays upon his ascension to the first team this season and Wednesday's display at Hull did not quite reach those lofty standards. Gray has started every game so far this term and is probably due a rest so it would be no surprise to see Glen Kamara or Ilia Gruev step into the fray but both were unused subs at Hull and the gut feeling is that Farke will continue with the axis of Ampadu and Gray. Photo: George Wood
8. RW: Dan James
James replaced the benched Summerville in the starting line-up at Hull but Summerville then proved easily United's most threatening winger in replacing the injured Gnonto midway through the first half. James, meanwhile, was later swapped for Jaidon Anthony shortly after the hour mark and it wouldn't be the biggest surprise to see Anthony now start but James looks the likely call. End product key to making the most of his pace. Photo: George Tewkesbury
9. LW: Crysencio Summerville
Hull will be glad to see the back of him and the Tigers often found that the only way to stop the young Dutchman was to pull his shirt. His demotion to the bench at Hull was a surprise and 'Cree' is a must for the XI based on his display on Humberside. The third change, in for Gnonto if out injured or in for James should Gnonto be fit. Photo: George Wood
10. ACM/ST: Joel Piroe
Piroe was sacrificed at Hull as Farke was forced into a reshuffle upon Rodon's red card but there can be little doubt that Piroe will be back from the start against Watford. It's just a case of whether he plays as a no 9 or 10 although the Whites attacking system is very fluid. Photo: Alex Pantling
11. ST: Georginio Rutter
Rutter squandered United's best chance at Hull when unable to convert a one-on-one but his overall display was a very good one, the young Frenchman particularly impressive with his hold up play. Chief alternative Patrick Bamford is now back in training after recovering from his hamstring injury and will soon be knocking on the door but Rutter is definitely taking big steps in the right direction. Photo: Alex Pantling