Liverpool will be raring to go again when Watford come visiting Anfield before the International break. The Reds have been in swashbuckling form this season, scoring goals for fun and the amount of pace and trickery available across their frontline has rendered opposition defences helpless on multiple occasions.
Klopp will be wary of improving their defence which has conversely failed to tighten up and thus conceded 13 goals, which is the highest amongst the top 6 clubs. But knowing Klopp’s approach he will not ask the players to curb their attacking instincts and will look to address the defence in some other way.
Watford, on the other hand, have been impressive this season. After last season’s 12th place finish, there were doubts over whether they could replicate that, let alone better it. But under Mazzarri they have started off brightly and if they can continue in the same vein for a couple of more game weeks, they can certainly dream of a Top 10 finish.
TEAM NEWS
LIVERPOOL
Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum, who missed some training this week after feeling unwell, have both recovered. Liverpool Danny Ings underwent knee surgery in midweek and will be out for the rest of the season.
WATFORD
Watford defender Sebastian Prodl is a doubt after suffering a muscle injury against Hull last weekend.
Craig Cathcart (groin) and Isaac Success (muscle problem) are both out, while striker Stefano Okaka (hamstring) faces a late fitness test.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)
Karius; Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner; Lallana, Henderson, Can; Mane, Firmino, Coutinho
WATFORD (3-5-2)
Gomes; Kaboul, Kabasele, Britos; Janmaat, Pereyra, Capoue, Behrami, Holebas; Deeney, Ighalo
KEY MEN
LIVERPOOL
SADIO MANE
Phillipe Coutinho has been the chief orchestrator for the Reds this season with 4 goals and 4 assists but Sadio Mane’s pace and home comforts has seen him flourish at Anfield this season. While he has failed to replicate his home form on the road, Klopp will be more than content if he delivers the goods against a Watford side who have been efficient and impressive this season. He will be up against Holebas who is attack minded and thus there will be chances to exploit the potential gaps in defence.
WATFORD
TROY DEENEY
While Deeney hasn’t fired on all cylinders yet, he nonetheless remains a major threat to the opposition defence. And on top of that Liverpool have been leaky at the back. Deeney has scored 3 goals and notched up an assist this season and will be looking to add to his tally.
BETTING ODDS
LIVERPOOL-2/7
DRAW-5/1
WATFORD- 11/1
