Team Prediction: Liverpool XI to face Watford at Vicarage Road
Liverpool take on Watford in the late kick-off on Saturday at Vicarage Road. A win would help the Reds overtake Manchester City for the record of 18 straight wins in the English Premier League.
More importantly, it would help us extend our lead at the top of the table to 25 points with Manchester City not scheduled to play in the league till March 8th.
Watford are currently second from bottom and will be up for a fight, with their league status on the line. The Hornets gave the Reds a real run for their money in the reverse fixture at Anfield. Ismaila Sarr couldn’t’ make the most of his opportunities as a Mohamed Salah brace Watford to the sword.
The Liverpool front three have scored an incredible 18 goals and 10 assists in eight games against the Hornets and will be keen to add to it this weekend. Jurgen Klopp’s team are currently unbeaten in 44 league games. They should extend it to 45 if they can take their chances.
Team News
Jordan Henderson, Nathaniel Clyne and Xherdan Shaqiri are ruled out of the game with an injury. Vice-captain James Milner is also yet to train, following his injury prior to the West Ham game.
In the absence of both Henderson and Milner, Virgil van Dijk looks set to continue his run as Reds captain.
Predicted XI
Formation – 4-3-3
Alisson Becker (GK)
The Liverpool number one is a sure shot to start in goal. Alisson has 10 clean sheets this season as he looks to win his second straight Premier League Golden Glove.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Right-Back)
The local lad equalled his record for most assists from a full-back in the last game against West Ham. With 11 games to go, it will be a surprise if he doesn’t considerably best his own tally.
The 21-year-old scored from a freekick in the corresponding fixture last season when Liverpool won 3-0.
Virgil van Dijk (Center-Back)
Van Dijk should continue to captain the side in both Henderson and Milner’s absence. The Dutch colossus has continued his dominance at the heart of the Liverpool defence. It is difficult to imagine him sitting out this game.
The Dutchman scored twice against the Hornets at Anfield last season.
Joe Gomez (Center-Back)
The young Englishman was given a game at Anfield by the West Ham attack and will be keen to resume regular service at Vicarage road. Gomez has built up an excellent partnership with Van Dijk and will look at add another clean sheet to their dominant pairing.
Andrew Robertson (Left-Back)
One of Liverpool’s liveliest players, the left-back is a constant presence down the left flank. He currently trails ALexander-Arnold in their personal duel by five assists. The Scotsman will be keen to make up for lost ground at Vicarage Road.
Fabinho (Central Defensive Midfielder)
The Brazilian encompassed an all-round display at Anfield last Monday. He will be called in to make use of his superior ball-winning ability against a physical Watford midfield.
Georginio Wijnaldum (Central Midfielder)
The Dutchman opened the scoring in the last game and has taken the responsibility for forwarding forays in the absence of Henderson. His ability to keep the ball in tight spaces will be critical as Watford will fight and harry the Reds throughout the game.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Central Midfielder)
The 26-year-old came off the bench to change the tie against the Hammers. Showed excellent drive and fight as he laid his credentials to be considered an important member of this Reds squad.
Sadio Mane (Left Wing)
The Senegalese has scored three goals and five assists in five appearances against the Hornets. He scored an audacious backheel goal at Anfield against the same opposition. He has scored in both league games since his return from injury and will look to add to his tally on Saturday.
Roberto Firmino (Striker)
The Brazilian has specialized in only away goals this season and will be glad to know that the tie isn’t’ at Anfield. The Liverpool number nine has scored five goals and three assists in seven appearances against Watford. He rounded off Liverpool’s third in the 3-0 win last season.
Mohamed Salah (Right Wing)
If Watford should be wary of Mane and Firmninbo’s record against them, they should be terrified of Salah. The Egyptian loves playing against them since making his debut at the venue in 2017. Salah has scored eight goals and two assists against the Hornets. He scored an amazing four goals in one game as Liverpool beat Watford 5-0 at Anfield in 2018.
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