Both teams went into the game on highs, as United had thrashed Roma 7-1 during the week, and Watford had defeated Portsmouth 4-2 in the Premiership.
ユナイテッドはこの一週間の間に7対1でローマを打ち負かし、ワトフォードはプレミアシップにおいてポーツマスを4対2で破り、両チームは盛り上がって試合に臨んだ。