Prediction: Liverpool vs Watford

Verdict: Mohamed Salah to score anytime

Best Odds: 11/18

Bookmaker: 888sport

High-flying Liverpool return to Premier League action against Watford on Saturday looking to make a response after a disappointing defeat at the hands of Manchester United.

Liverpool

The flying form Liverpool displayed over the past couple of weeks met its disappointing end last weekend at Old Trafford where Manchester United stunned Reds with a 2-1 victory. Jurgen Klopp’s men need an instant response at Anfield as they hope to get back in the race for the highest place possible in the Premier League standings.

The 2-1 reverse at the hands of their fierce rivals, paired with Tottenham and Chelsea both winning their respective matches left Liverpool in fourth, four points clear in front of the reigning Premier League champions Chelsea who are occupying the Europa League slot. Liverpool will be hoping Manchester United disappointment would spark a similar reaction that 4-1 demolition at Spurs in October did when Liverpool ended up storming to a 14-match unbeaten run afterwards. The forthcoming match will also be a chance for Jurgen Klopp’s men to get one back to Watford following a pulsating 3-3 draw earlier in season and the German tactician will certainly hope his men are up for the task.

Team News

Adam Lallana missed Liverpool’s Tuesday training session and the winger will be unavailable for selection due to an injury problem.

Nathaniel Clyne remains a long-term injury, whereas the home side should have no more selection worries ahead of the Watford game.

Watford

Javi Garcia’s Hornets made a daring challenge against Arsenal last time out but it backfired with Gunners punishing their wastefulness in front of goal with a resounding 3-0 win. The Spaniard has thus far had a mixed set of results at Watford, winning three of the seven games since taking charge.

Troy Deeney will be desperate to bounce back after missing a penalty at the Emirates which could have sparked a completely different scenario against Gunners but Hornets will have no time to cry over spilt milk. Richarlison is definitely another player to keep an eye on for the away side. The Brazilian made an instant impression with Hornets and will be looking to improve poor finishing he displayed against Arsene Wenger’s men. Javi Garcia will definitely hope his powerful frontline composed by Deeney, Richarlison and Stefano Okaka will be able to unsettle the fragile Liverpool backline and add a counterbalance to Liverpool’s formidable force upfield. Doing so will be quite a challenge for injury-stricken Watford who are winless in their last eight Premier League away games.

Team News

Stefano Okaka is making a strong push for a return to the starting line up and could be given a chance to start ahead of Pereyra.

Cathcart, Chalobah, Cleverley, Deulofeu, Gomes, Hoban, Kabasele, Kaboul and Wague are all unavailable through injury which leaves Javi Garcia with a limited crop to choose from.

Key Factors to Consider

• Liverpool won 9 of their 10 home Premier League meetings with Watford
• Reds are unbeaten in 17 Premier League home matches
• Liverpool have yet to lose consecutive Premier League games under Jurgen Klopp
• Watford are without a win in their last 8 EPL matches on the road
• Hornets travel to Anfield without 9 first-team players who are ruled out with injury

Conclusion

A quick look at all the facts and numbers will lead us to a no different conclusion than Liverpool being firm favourites to land a win. The odds on Reds are not that favourable but betting on Mohamed Salah to continue his impressive goalscoring exploits could offer some value, knowing that the Egyptian was directly involved in close to half of Liverpool’s 68 goals in the Premier League (24 goals, 8 assists).

Verdict: Mohamed Salah to score anytime

Best Odds: 11/18

Bookmaker: 888sport