HomeFeatured ArticlesLiverpool Vs Watford Preview | Team News, Stats & Key Men

Liverpool Vs Watford Preview | Team News, Stats & Key Men

After an impressive display in the Europa League semifinal against Watford, Liverpool must now concentrate on improving their current league position. They host Watford in an important game on Sunday and will be keen to get a good result to ensure a strong finish to the season. Watford have secured top flight football for the coming season and could well finish within the top 10, a feat that would please a lot of their fans.

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Team News

Liverpool

Given the flurry of fixtures played over the last few weeks, Klopp will be forced to rotate his squad for the game, especially with his eyes set on the Europa League final at Basel. However, with several players recovering from injuries, he has the depth in the squad to field an attacking unit against Watford.

We expect that Benteke will be handed a start at the top of the line up. Youngsters Ibe, Ojo, Stewart and Randall are also expected to feature in the starting 11. With Brad Smith serving his suspension for the sending off against Swansea, Klopp would be forced to start the regular left-back Moreno on the evening.

Expected Line Up

Ward, Randall, Lucas, Skrtel, Moreno, Stewart, Allen, Ojo, Ibe, Firmino Benteke

Watford

After their victory over Aston Villa, Quique Sanchez Flores is expected to keep the spine of his side intact. Troy Deeney and Ighalo will lead the attack, supported in midfield by Jurado, Watson, Suarez and Abdi. However, Nathan Ake and Allan Nyom could be back in the starting line-up at the cost of Anya and Paredes. The side remains without crucial midfielders Capoue and Behrami as both of them are nursing injuries. Expected Line Up Gomes, Nyom, Cathcart, Brittos, Ake, Abdi, Watson, Suarez, Jurado, Deeney, Ighalo.

Key Men

Roberto Firmino

After sparkling to life midway through the season, Roberto Firmino has had to endure few tough weeks. However, the Brazilian, who is expected to feature in the upcoming Olympics alongside Neymar as an overage player, played an important role in the game against Villarreal, assisting a goal with an intelligent pass and creating another with an impressive run down the left-hand side of the pitch. With 10 goals and 9 assists to show for in all competitions so far, the Brazilian will prove to be biggest challenge for the Watford defence on the evening. He can operate in closed spaces and has the pace and trickery to take his man on and beat him to create opportunities for his teammates.

Troy Deeney

The Watford captain has been in the thick of the action for his side ever since their promotion into the top flight of English football. He has an incredible work rate, links up well with his teammates and knows where the back of the goal is, making him a dangerous opponent. With Liverpool expected to shuffle their back-line, Deeney alongside his partner in crime Ighalo would present constant threat to Jurgen Klopp’ side.

He has scored 11 goals in all competitions, assisted 6 and has been involved in creation of numerous chances. Lucas and Skrtel must not afford him any time and space on the ball to ensure that Liverpool do not finish the game empty handed. Deeney was critical in his side’s league win over Reds in December when they won 3-0 and will be keen to add another impressive display to his footballing chapter.

Interesting Stats

– This will be the 20th meeting between these two sides in all competitions, with Liverpool having won on 14 occasions as against Watford’s 4.

– The Reds have only lost once in their 9 home meetings against Watford with none of the games ending in a draw.

Prediction

While Liverpool might be flying high on the back of their qualification to the Europa League finals, Watford are no pushovers and will not be bullied at Anfield. We expect a first Draw between these two sides at Anfield and the predicted scoreline is 2-2.

Aditya Upaadhyay
Aditya Upaadhyay
A masters in finance with a passion for football and an urge to work at the intersection of both.
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