Match Preview: Liverpool vs Watford
Back in August, the thought of doing the league double over Liverpool seemed a distant prospect.
But Watford have that very opportunity at Anfield today, as the Hornets face Jurgen Klopp's men in their penultimate away match of the season. With Klopp promising to make changes to his Liverpool team, as he has
done on a number of occasions before, it could be a perfect opportunity for the Hornets to head to Anfield, with the Reds already having one eye on the Europa League final.
The Hornets come into the match in 13th place in the table, following a hard thought 3-2 win over Aston Villa last weekend. In truth, Quique Sanchez Flores' men were poor for large parts and it was only after the introduction of second half substitutes Steven Berghuis and Nordin Amrabat that the Golden Boys started to show signs of improvement.
They got out of jail last week thanks to a double from Troy Deeney in the final few minutes against the Villains. The Golden Boys will have to put in a much improved performance this week when they take on Klopp's men at Anfield, despite the fact that they might not be facing a full strength Liverpool side.
Liverpool, on the other hand, currently sit in 8th position in the Premier League in what has been a promising few months for the Reds under Klopp. Supporters of the Merseyside club will undoubtedly be looking forward to the Europa League final already and what next season will bring under the management of the likeable German.
In the match between the two sides earlier this season at Vicarage Road, it was Watford who ran out 3-0. It was Watford's performance of the season without a shadow of a doubt, as the Hornets caused Liverpool all kinds of problems and they were also strong and resilient at the back. Every Watford player was superb on that day and each one played their part in was a resounding victory.
Nathan Ake put the Hornets ahead in the third minute, as he poked the ball over the line after Adam Bogdan dropped Ben Watson's corner. The Hornets added a second in the 15th minute, as Troy Deeney released Odion
Ighalo, who shrugged off Martin Skrtel and fired the ball into the bottom corner. Ighalo got his second of the match in the 85th minute, as he nodded home Valon Behrami's pinpoint cross following a swift move, to put the Golden Boys in dreamland.
The key player for Liverpool today, if he plays, will be Brazilian international, Philippe Coutinho. Since moving to Merseyside from Inter Milan in 2013, Coutinho has become something of fan favourite due to his pace, skill
and vision. He is something of Liverpool's creator in chief, because of his superb vision and that has led to him being dubbed 'the little magician' by supporters.
As a result, he has proven himself to be one of the best wingers in the Premier League, with his skill and pace, in particular, causing opposition defences all kinds of problems. This season, he has scored 12 goals in 40 appearances in all competitions and Watford's defence will have to keep Coutinho quiet if they want to have a chance of returning to Hertfordshire with the three points.
So today's match against Liverpool will ultimately be another tough test. Despite Jurgen Klopp stating he will make changes, Liverpool have quality players in abundance and whatever side he puts out will be a competitive one.
As a result, today's match will undoubtedly be another tough Premier League fixture for the Golden Boys. They will certainly have to improve on last weekend's performance against Aston Villa, as they were disjointed for large parts and were lucky to walk away with three points.
Therefore, the Hornets will have to improve if they wish to walk away from Anfield with a point, let alone three.
Team News
For Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp has said he will make changes to his side, following the Reds' recent exploits in the Europa League. Brad Smith is suspended after being sent off last weekend against Swansea, whilst Jordan
Henderson, Divock Origi and Danny Ings are all ruled out through injury.
For Watford, Quique Sanchez Flores will be without Etienne Capoue and Valon Behrami, who have both been ruled out for the rest of the season. Steven Berghuis is pushing for his first Premier League start, whilst Joel Ekstrand and Tommie Hoban are expected to miss out once again.
Predicted Team-Line-ups
Liverpool - Ward (GK), Randall, Skrtel, Lovren, Clyne, Lucas ©, Allen, Ojo, Lallana, Ibe, Benteke.
Watford - Gomes (GK), Nyom, Britos, Cathcart, Ake, Berghuis, Watson, Suarez, Anya, Deeney ©, Ighalo.
Referee - Lee Mason.