With all the other results going their way in this game week, Liverpool must do their job against Watford when they travel to Vicarage Road tomorrow. A loss against Crystal Palace and a draw in the Manchester derby had made Liverpool nervy of a finish in the top four but this weekend’s results have made sure that the Reds’ qualification to the Champions League rests in their own hands.
Watford don’t have much to play for currently as they sit comfortably in the mid-table. This was made evident by their disappointing performance against Hull City in their last match when they lost 2-0 despite the Tigers being a man down in the first half. Manager Walter Mazzarri has done well to save the club from the relegation battle but may find it too much against the Reds. Liverpool are fighting tooth and nail to finish in the top four and must win tomorrow’s match.
Team news
For the hosts, defender Craig Cathcart is a doubt for tomorrow’s game with a knee issue. Valon Behrami has just returned after a lengthy spell out of action with a hamstring injury and will be on the bench. Younes Kaboul, Roberto Pereyra and Mauro Zarate are the long-term absentees for Watford.
Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge returned to training and will be available for selection tomorrow. Jordan Henderson is out for the season mostly along with Sadio Mane and Danny Ings while Ragnar Klavan is still out with a knee injury.
Form guide
In the last six meetings between the two sides, Watford have lost five but won the last game at Vicarage Road. The Hornets won 3-0 against Liverpool in December 2015. Despite this, Liverpool have a healthy record against their opponents with Jürgen Klopp’s side winning 10 of their last 12 matches against Watford. The Reds go into this match with good away form as they have won their last two games on the road and can achieve three consecutive away victories under Klopp for just the second time.
Roberto Firmino has a good record against Watford with the Brazilian scoring two and assisting two in his last two games. For the hosts, Troy Deeney will be itching to get on the scoresheet after failing to score against the Reds until now.
Watford: L-W-W-L-W-L.
Liverpool: D-W-D-W-W-L
Predicted lineups
Watford – Gomes, Janmaat, Prodl, Britos, Holebas, Doucoure, Cleverley, Capoue, Amrabat, Niang, Deeney
Liverpool – Mignolet, Clyne, Matip, Lovren, Milner, Lucas, Can, Wijnaldum, Coutinho, Origi, Firmino
Predicted score
Watford 1-3 Liverpool
Odds
Watford win – 5/1
Liverpool win – 8/15
Draw – 16/5