Watford vs Liverpool FC: Probable Lineups, Tactics, Key Stats & Prediction

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool speaks with Divock Origi of Liverpool after conceding a goal during the EFL Cup Semi-Final Second Leg match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on January 25, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Liverpool will be looking to extend their lead over the Manchester clubs when they visit Vicarage Road to play Watford.

The Reds were enjoying a good run of form and looked like they were heading in the right direction to secure a Champions League berth. However, they were shell-shocked as they succumbed to a home defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace last week.

That would have been a massive dent to their aspirations, but they will breathe easy now as their top four rivals Manchester United and Manchester City dropped points against relegation-threatened sides Swansea and Middlesbrough respectively, on Sunday.

Arsenal, too, languishing in sixth, lost 2-0 to title challengers Tottenham Hotspur, and have all but given up on finishing in the top four.

That leaves Liverpool fighting against two teams, and they could make a march on them if they manage to pick up a victory against Watford on Monday. The Hornets will go into the game with nothing to lose, and could make it a tough game for the Reds.

Liverpool’s German manager Jurgen Klopp (L) talks with Liverpool’s Croatian defender Dejan Lovren (R) after the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and West Bromwich Albion at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on October 22, 2016. (Photo Courtesy: PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

Team News and Tactics

Watford

Former Spurs keeper Heurelho Gomes has been a mainstay in the Watford goal this season, and is likely to start in between the sticks for them against Liverpool. Sebastian Prodl and Miguel Britos will play as centre-backs.

At right full-back, Darryl Janmaat is expected to be given the nod, while the attack-minded Jose Holebas will start on the other side. Abdoulaye Doucoure is expected to join Tom Cleverley and Etienne Capoue in midfield.

Troy Deeney has been omnipresent in attack for the Hornets this season, and is expected to lead the line for Watford. He is likely to be supplemented by the likes of M’Baye Niang and Nordin Amrabat on either wings.

Watford Probable XI: Gomes; Janmaat, Prodl, Britos, Holebas; Capoue, Cleverley, Doucoure; Amrabat, Deeney, Niang.

Liverpool

Simon Mignolet has been a tad better than Loris Karius this season, and is likely to be given the nod against Watford. Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip will start as centre-backs, as Ragnar Klavan is unlikely to feature through a minor injury.

Jordan Henderson is still ruled out which means that Emre Can is likely to continue his extended run in the starting eleven. Adam Lallana is a minor doubt for the game, but is expected to fight it off to play in midfield alongside Wijnaldum and Can.

Due to the absence of Sadio Mane, who is ruled out for the season, Divock Origi will lead the line for the Reds with Philippe Coutinho operating as an inside forward on the left, and Roberto Firmino playing a similar role on the opposite flank.

Liverpool Probable XI: Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Matip, Milner; Wijnaldum, Can, Lallana; Firmino, Origi, Coutinho.

Key Stats

Player to watch out for

Philippe Coutinho

Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Philippe Coutinho runs with the ball during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on March 19, 2017. (Photo Courtesy: OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)

The Brazilian will be looking to continue his good run of form with a solid performance against Watford. The Hornets defenders will be maintaining a structured shape, and it could be exceedingly difficult for Coutinho to find a way through.

However, if there is anyone in the Liverpool squad who could do that, it is him. Coutinho has been industrious and adept since moving to Anfield in 2013, and is expected to put in a solid performance on Monday.

Prediction

Watford 1-1 Liverpool

While both teams play contrasting styles of football, they are equally weak at focusing on the other aspect of their game. Liverpool have been shambles defensively for most of the season, and despite having improved recently, there is still work to do.

Watford could look to exploit this weakness in the Reds’ game and could even target James Milner for his lack of pace on their right wing. Also, playing with nothing to lose, they have it in them to at least get a point from the game.

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