Liverpool vs Watford - Competition: Premier League
Date: 27 February 2019 - Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Date: 27 February 2019 - Kick-off Time: 20:00 GMT
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Liverpool team were held to a goalless draw by Man UTD in their last
outing on Sunday. They were disappointed, but that point was still
enough to put them clear of Manchester City and into first place. The
Reds recorded an impressive 3-0 victory against Bournemouth in their
most recent home game in the league but recorded another scoreless draw
against Bayern in the UCL last week. Anfield is
still something of a fortress as Jugen Klopp's men have conceded only
one goal in the last 405 minutes of football they have played. Anyway,
The Reds have been held to one goal or less in three of their last four
matches in the Premier League, so the attack is struggling. As to direct
encounters against Watford, Liverpool have won 10 of the previous 11
top flight games between the sides at this ground.
The hosts are expected to be without Roberto Firmino after the Brazilian forward twisted his ankle on Sunday. The likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge are possible candidates to start as well as Naby Keita, who is expected to play in the offensive midfield trio behind Mo Salah. Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren remain sidelined for the Reds, who are expected to welcome Trent Alexander-Arnold back into the starting XI. Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum are strong favourites to feature from the off in the middle of the park.
The hosts are expected to be without Roberto Firmino after the Brazilian forward twisted his ankle on Sunday. The likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge are possible candidates to start as well as Naby Keita, who is expected to play in the offensive midfield trio behind Mo Salah. Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren remain sidelined for the Reds, who are expected to welcome Trent Alexander-Arnold back into the starting XI. Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum are strong favourites to feature from the off in the middle of the park.
Watford team
have recorded back-to-back wins in the league, including a 5-1 thumping
of Cardiff City last time out. They have only lost two of their last 15
fixtures in all competitions, and the only two defeats have come in
tight games against Chelsea and Tottenham. As a result, the Hornets
currently sit 7th in the Premier League standings and boast a W5 D5 L4
away record. Only the current top five have scored more away goals than
Javi Gracia's men (22) this season. Watford have a poor record in recent
meetings with the Merseysiders - losing five and winning none of their
last six meetings while conceding 20 goals in the process and scoring
just five.
The Hornets will still be without Jose Holebas as he serves the second of his two-match ban. Kiko Femenia also remains sidelined but elsewere Javi Gracia may have a fully fit squad to choose from besides. The Watford boss will surely be tempted to name an unchanged team meaning that Gerard Deulofeu and Troy Deeney will spearhead the attack while Adalberto Penaranda, Isaac Success and Andre Gray will likely be tussling for a place on the bench at best. The likes of Will Hughes, Etienne Capoue, Roberto Pereyra and Abdoulaye Doucourè will start in midfield.
The Hornets will still be without Jose Holebas as he serves the second of his two-match ban. Kiko Femenia also remains sidelined but elsewere Javi Gracia may have a fully fit squad to choose from besides. The Watford boss will surely be tempted to name an unchanged team meaning that Gerard Deulofeu and Troy Deeney will spearhead the attack while Adalberto Penaranda, Isaac Success and Andre Gray will likely be tussling for a place on the bench at best. The likes of Will Hughes, Etienne Capoue, Roberto Pereyra and Abdoulaye Doucourè will start in midfield.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Shaqiri, Keita, Mane; Salah
Watford (4-4-2): Foster; Janmaat, Mariappa, Cathcart, Masina; Hughes, Doucoure, Capoue, Pereyra; Deulofeu, Deeney
Watford (4-4-2): Foster; Janmaat, Mariappa, Cathcart, Masina; Hughes, Doucoure, Capoue, Pereyra; Deulofeu, Deeney