After a forgettable defeat against Arsenal at Emirates, Javi Gracia’s Watford face another tricky test this weekend, when they travel to Anfield, to take on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool on Saturday. The Reds, currently in the 3rd place, lost at Old Trafford in the previous round and will be desperate to make a point in this game but the Hornets have a decent history against Liverpool recently and will hope to nick at least a point from this tie.
Gracia’s men can move closer to a place in Europe with a win in this game and having lost just two of their last seven games, will be high on confidence. The Reds will come out all guns blazing but have their own frailties that can be exploited. Gracia will have taken a note of this and will set up his team accordingly. Here is the predicted lineup he might field for this tie:
Team News:
In early team news, the Hornets are still without the likes of Younes Kaboul, Nathaniel Chalobah, Gerard Deulofeu, Christian Kabesele and Tom Cleverly, all of who are ruled out for this game. However, they do welcome Craig Cathcart and Heurelho Gomes back into the first team this weekend.
Expected lineup (3-4-3):
Defence:
Though Gomes is back, Orestis Karnezis has been effective on goal for Watford and is expected to retain his place under the bar for this trip to Anfield. Gracia might shift to a 3-man backline to add some mettle to his side. Sebastian Prodl will start at the heart of that backline and will have to keep a close eye on the likes of Firmino in this tie.
Jose Holebas has been effective on the left side of Prodl and should start there while Adrian Mariappa, who did not have a great game against Arsenal, is expected to start on the right side of the back-3 for Watford.
Midfield:
Etienne Capoue and Abdoulaye Doucoure represent one of the best midfield partnerships in the Premier League and Liverpool will not find it easy against the duo in this tie. They will look to frustrate the Reds but will need a lot of help from Daryl Janmaat, who is expected to start as a wing-back on the right flank and Martin Zeegelar, who should start as a left wing-back at Anfield.
Attack:
Brazil winger Richarlison has been one of the most effective players for Watford and will be the danger for man for Liverpool, down their left flank. Roberto Pereyra, who did not last the whole game against Arsenal will start down Watford’s left flank in the attack.
Troy Deeney is Gracia’s best option to lead the attack and should stick with him for this weekend.
Here is how they might line up:
