Ollie Watkins

[Rudy Can't Fail]

53 games for us last season plus a few internationals followed by a full summer at the Euros and he's already clocked up 44 games this season without a proper summer rest or pre-season, I'd imagine only Emi played more. They're serious stats for any player and why I believe he's not as sharp as he was last season.

Despite him being marked out of the game yesterday he at least was back to his best on chasing down the keeper with real intent. He obviously reads H&V. Now if he could just go further across instead of going to the far post when the ball is coming in from the right, he may likely get back in the goals. He may possibly have to ignore Unai's instructions though.

[VillaTim]

Against Forest, Ollie Watkins played 62 mins and had 9 touches, with no shots. Rashford touched the ball 18 times in just 28 mins and took two shots.
I think the two of them can dovetail nicely together .

[ROBBO]

He doesn't seem to impact games as he used too, I wonder if the injury is affecting him more than they are letting on. On his last few games I would favour keeping him on the bench and only using him if nessessary.

[Dante Lavelli]

He doesn't seem to impact games as he used too, I wonder if the injury is affecting him more than they are letting on. On his last few games I would favour keeping him on the bench and only using him if nessessary.

Yes an 80% fit Watkins shouldn’t be playing but Bailey’s absence has probably prevented us playing Malen up top, so Watkins is bumped up again. 

Malen looks good to me, I’d definitely like to see him upfront before the end of the season as he is probably the budget solution if we don’t qualify for top tier Europe.