Liverpool will look to a winning start to their season when they take on Watford on their home turf on Saturday. The Reds finished in the top four in the last term and will be looking to continue with their form which made it possible for them to finish above arch rivals Manchester United and Arsenal in the Premier League table.
However, Watford, who endured a pretty poor season in the top flight last term, finishing in the 17th position, will look to make amends for their mistakes and find a winning way from the very first game of the season. They have brought in players like Andre Gray and Richarlison to boost their attacking options during the summer and will hope that their new players will help them win their first encounter of the 2017/18 season.
Team News-
Liverpool-
The Reds have a number of injury worries to deal with at the start of the new season, with a key player like Adam Lallana set to miss the game with a thigh injury, which is going to keep him out of action for the next two months. With two bids being rejected from Barcelona, Phillipe Coutinho remains to be one of their most important players in the new season and might be rested during their opening clash against Watford with a back problem that kept him out of training as well. Daniel Sturridge will also be missing the match with a thigh issue which he picked up during their Audi Cup semi final clash against Bayern Munich. Youngster Trent Alexander Arnold might be picked to start ahead of Joe Gomez in the right back position in absence of Nathaniel Clyne, who is down with an injury for quite a long time.
Watford-
Watford will be missing their inspirational captain and probably the most important player in their line-up Troy Deeney in this match against Liverpool, with the Englishman nursing a groin injury. There are no injuries so far to any of their new signings as both Gray and Richarlison, along with rookie Nathaniel Chalobah are set to feature in their opening game at Anfield.
Predicted Lineups-
Liverpool-
Simon Mignolet, Trent Alexander Arnold, Joel Matip, Dejan Lovren, James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum, Emre Can, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino
Watford-
Huerelho Gomes, Daryl Janmaat, Younes Kaboul, Jose Holebas, Sebastian Prodl, Tom Cleverly, Nathaniel Chalobah, Will Hughes, Nordin Amrabat, Richarlison, Andre Gray
Key Men-
Liverpool-
The Reds will be depending on their forwards Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah to provide them with a winning start to the new season. Jordan Henderson will also have to play a very vital role to keep the opponents at bay.
Watford-
All eyes will be on the new signings Andre Gray and Richarlison who are supposed to start in their first match of the campaign. Nathaniel Chalobah will also be under the scanner in the match against Liverpool.
Odds-
Watford- 5/1
Draw- 16/5
Liverpool- 8/13
