Ben Guest
The Premier League returns after the conclusion of the final international break of the calendar year, with high flying Liverpool facing the tricky task of a trip to Vicarage Road.
Here is all you need to know ahead of Saturday’s match.
Form
Watford: LWWLD
After their early-season promise that left Hornets fans hoping they could ‘do a Leicester,’ their form has tapered off to something we would be more expected to see. However, they still sit in second in the Premier League, ahead of Manchester United on goal difference and only seven points off the top four. They picked up a decent win against Wolves recently, but will have been disappointed to have dropped points against struggling Newcastle and Southampton in their last two.
Roberto Pereyra seems to be key to any Watford success, with the Argentine netting five goals in his 12 appearances this season in the league.
Liverpool: WWDLW
Second in the league, two points behind Man City and still yet to be beaten in the league. Its certainly not been a bad start for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side. However, despite their impressive start to the season, their performances on the pitch haven’t been as impressive as they were last season, as they seem to be a little less gung-ho.
However, with the deadly triumvirate of Salah, Mane and Firmino leading the line, and the imperious Virgil van Dijk at the back, it is inconceivable to think that the Reds won’t be close to City by the time the medals are handed out next May.
Team News
Sebastian Prodl, Daryl Janmaat and Tom Cleverley are out for Watford, while Will Hughes is also a doubt. However, Etienne Capoue is set to return to the heart of the midfield after returning to full fitness.
Naby Keita could be set to return to the starting lineup for Liverpool after missing five games with a hamstring injury, while Jordan Henderson could also return, despite missing England’s game with Croatia.
Predicted Lineups
Watford: Foster, Femenia, Mariappa, Cathcart, Holebas, Doucoure, Capoue, Pereyra, Deulofeu, Success, Deeney.
Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson, Keita, Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Salah, Firmino, Mane.
What channel is Watford v Liverpool on?
Not on TV in the UK and Ireland, but for those watching on American TV, you can catch this NBC Sports Gold.
What time is kick off?
15:00 GMT
Odds
Watford 11/2
Draw 10/3
Liverpool 1/2