With seven wins from their first ten matches, Liverpool will be looking to continue their fantastic run of form when they play host to Watford in the Premier League.
Jurgen Klopp has done an exceptional job in lifting spirits in the Liverpool dressing room, and just over a year after taking charge, his team is already looking like one of the favourites to lift the elusive Premier League trophy come May.
In the course of the ten games this season, Klopp has masterminded his side into wins over Arsenal and Chelsea, and also managed to avoid defeat against Manchester United. Their only loss came in the second gameweek against Burnley, but the Reds have bounced back from the result and are looking like a well-drilled machine.
Liverpool will go into Sunday’s game against Watford as clear favourites, but will have to guard against complacency. Klopp’s Gegenpressing has reaped huge rewards and could be countered by Walter Mazarri’s pragmatism.
Watford, too, have made a fascinating start to the season and find themselves sitting on the seventh spot on the table. The Hornets have conceded as many goals as Liverpool this term and move up a place should they manage to pick up maximum points from their encounter at Anfield.
Probable Lineups
Despite having difficulties in defending set pieces, Klopp will not be looking to alter his defence to a great extent. Nathaniel Clyne has been omnipresent for the Reds along with Dejan Lovren, and the two are virtually guaranteed starters for the game against Watford. James Milner looks to have recovered from an injury and will replace Alberto Moreno in the starting lineup.
In midfield, Jordan Henderson’s command of the area along with his leadership abilities has made Liverpool a strong side in the middle of the park. Along with the captain, Emre Can will be there to cause breakages in play and spray the ball forward, while Adam Lallana will be looking for constant link-ups with Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.
Philippe Coutinho has been in sublime form this season and has arguably been Liverpool’s best performer. His dribbling and finishing has been second to none and he is constantly looking to attack the opposition goal and searching for players to make overlapping runs beyond him.
Watford have played a 3-5-2 for the entire season and are likely to set up in the same way for the game against Liverpool. Heurelho Gomes will start in goal with a back three of Younus Kaboul, Sebastien Prodl and Leon Britos offering cover to him. Jason Holebas and Nordin Amrabat have performed well as wing-backs, and are likely to be named in the playing eleven.
In midfield, Etienne Capoue hit the ground running this season, but has gone quiet of late without managing to impact proceedings in the final third. The forward pairing of Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney were prolific last season and will be hoping for a similar performance against the Reds on Sunday.
Stats
- Liverpool have won 6 of their last 7 matches against Watford in all competitions.
- Liverpool have kept a clean sheet in 5 of their last 6 matches against Watford in all competitions.
- Watford have managed to keep a clean sheet in their last three matches in the Premier League.
- The Reds have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last seven matches.
- Only one of the previous 18 league meetings between these sides has ended in a draw, with Liverpool winning 13 and losing 4.
Watch out for
Loris Karius
The German keeper moved to Liverpool this summer and missed the first two months of football through injury. After he returned to full fitness, Klopp stated that Karius was going to be Liverpool’s number one – ahead of Simon Mignolet in the pecking order. However, Karius has not particularly impressed his critics in his first sesaon in the Premier League and will be raring to spring in a good run of form starting with the game against Watford.
Prediction
Liverpool 3-1 Watford
Liverpool’s attacking prowess has been put to great show this season, and with a superior home record, all signs suggest towards an easy win for the hosts. However, with two strikers up top for Watford, and with the Reds’ vulnerability while defending set plays, it is likely to see them ship in a goal while hitting a couple or more at the other end. Entertainment is guaranteed.