After a demoralizing defeat at Old Trafford, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are back in action this weekend as they welcome Watford to Anfield in a tricky fixture. With the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea all busy in their FA Cup endeavours, Liverpool have a chance to take a lead in the race to the 2nd place but will not find it easy against Javi Gracia’s side, that has been hard to beat this season.
The Hornets, currently in the 10th place in the points table, fell to a 3-0 loss to Arsenal last weekend but have recently beaten Chelsea and have won three of their last five games. The two teams played out an entertaining draw on the opening day of the Premier League this season but playing at Anfield, the Reds will hope that they can take all three points from this tie. Here is the predicted lineup Klopp might field for this game:
Team News:
The Reds have no new injury issues to worry about ahead of this game. Nathaniel Clyne is yet to make it to the matchday squad and might not be risked this weekend as well and will remain the only absentee ahead of this game. With the international break coming up, Klopp can field his strongest side for this clash.
Expected lineup (4-3-3):
Defence:
Loris Karius has turned into one of the most consistent GKs in the league recently and is the first choice for Klopp under the bar. He should keep his place in the side and should be helped by a CB partnership of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip, who will replace Dejan Lovren in the first team, after the latter’s troubles at Old Trafford.
Joe Gomez might return to the right-back slot to add some solidity to the backline while Andrew Robertson is expected to keep his place at left-back this weekend.
Midfield:
Skipper Jordan Henderson was not used in the game against United but should be back in his no.6 role for this game. Georginio Wijnaldum is back to full fitness and might get his first start in the midfield for a while for Liverpool.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to add the necessary urgency in the midfield for the Reds against Watford.
Attack:
Roberto Firmino has been in superb form and was effective even against the Red Devils. He will lead the line for Liverpool with their star wingers Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah starting on either flank.
Here is how they might line up:
