Liverpool continue their charge for their first Premier League trophy in 29 years when they welcome Watford to Anfield on Wednesday night.
The Reds failed to take advantage of Manchester United’s injury woes — which forced Solskjaer into making all his three substitutions in the first half — when both sides met last week as they settled for a goalless draw.
Irrespective of their inability to pick maximum points at Old Trafford, Jurgen Klopp men returned to the top of the League table with one point above Manchester City who already had EFL Cup glory in their store.
Klopp won’t take anything for granted against the Hornets, knowing that his future at Anfield hugely depend on the number of trophy(s) he eventually wins by the end of the season.
Match Preview
Liverpool have, uncharacteristically, failed to put up magnificent showings in recent weeks and they now struggle to get the ball into opponents’ net.
Their frontmen — Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane and Sergio Firmino — aren’t in their rich goalscoring form which is a major source of concern for Klopp who need his attacking players to be ruthless in front of goal at this crucial point of the season.
The Reds only managed to garner just six points from their last four League League games, while, they were defeated 2-0 by Bayern Munich in European competition some weeks ago.
The last time the Reds played in front of their home fans was a 4-0 victory over Bournemouth some weeks ago, they will hope they put up such magnificent display when they host in-form Watford.
Team News
Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino, who was subbed out of United’s game in the first half due to broken ankle, is expected to sit out of tomorrow’s game.
The Brazilian’s absence could give room for either Divock Origi or Daniel Sturridge, depending on Klopp’s tactical approach.
The German manager could equally decide starting Shaqiri in a 4-2-3-1 formation in which the Swiss will partner Naby Keita at the middle of the park.
Centre-backs Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez are sidelined for Wednesday’s game, while, long-term absentee Alexander-Arnold could make a return to the starting lineup for the first time since December last year.
Mohammed Salah, who’s seeking his 50th goal for Liverpool, and Sadio Mane are sure bet for a place in Klopp’s starting XI.
Liverpool Possible line-up
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Shaqiri, Keita, Mane; Salah
Prediction
Having scored three goals in six previous meetings between both clubs, Egypt international Salah is expected to find the back of the net on Wednesday.
Watford’s rich vein of form at the final third of the pitch has seen them scored seven goals in four Premier League matches, therefore, they stand a great chance of putting the ball past Allison Becker.
Liverpool haven’t tasted defeated against Watford in the last six encounters, the Reds could extend the impressive record later on Wednesday.
Final prediction — Liverpool 2 : 1 Watford.