Liverpool are on the road this weekend in the Premier League with Jurgen Klopp’s Merseysiders set to face Watford at Vicarage Road.
For the hosts, it will be their first game under the newly appointed boss Claudio Ranieri, and the game is sure to be a stern test for The Horners against a high-flying opponent in Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp’s side will be backed to secure the win against Watford which could mark a return to winning ways after being involved in the high octane 2-2 affair against the defending champions Manchester City just prior to the recent international break.
The Reds have looked solid on all fronts early on this new season and are only a point adrift of the table-toppers Chelsea in the build-up to this weekend’s fixture list and expectations will be high for Liverpool to regain momentum after the break and mount a challenge for the league title.
Squad selection will pose a major concern for Jurgen Klopp with Liverpool set to play Saturday’s game without the likes of Alisson Becker and Fabinho in the ranks as the Brazilian duo are not expected to return to the fold from international duty in time for the Vicarage Road showdown.
Moreover, the Liverpool boss Klopp could be in line to rest some of his overworked star regulars with next week’s Champions League group stage tie against Atletico Madrid looming large for the Anfield camp who are already without midfield maestro Thiago Alcantara sidelined with a knee injury.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return to the backline, however, does give Liverpool some much-needed respite on the injury front and will be of much significance to Liverpool’s attacking prospects against a leaky Watford defence.
WHEN & WHERE?
Back in action on Saturday 👊
𝐔𝐏 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐒 ✊🔴 #WATLIV pic.twitter.com/l52fafJUGn
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 13, 2021
Date: 16 October 2021
Time: 11:30 AM GMT
Venue: Vicarage Road
TEAM NEWS
Thiago Alcantara remains an injury absentee for Liverpool ahead of Saturday’s game against Watford but Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota are due back in training, confirmed Jurgen Klopp in his pre-match presser.
Alisson Becker and Fabinho will be missing from the matchday squad, according to the rumour mill, with both Brazilians set for a late departure from international duty.
Divock Origi has an illness and could be sidelined for the weekend clash.
KEY BATTLE
ISMAILA SARR VS MOHAMED SALAH
Sarr has been a terrific performer in front of the goal for Watford in their return to England’s top flight and the Liverpool target will be hoping to make an impression against his suitors.
🔙 to where it all began…
The first of @MoSalah’s 134 Reds goals came at Vicarage Road ⚽ pic.twitter.com/Z8XagGMCI6
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 14, 2021
For the visitors, it will be the talisman Mohamed Salah who will be backed to continue his lethal run of form going forward and cause trouble for an under-fire Watford backline.
MATCH PREDICTION
We expect Liverpool to secure the win and a convincing one too against Watford who will make their debut outing under their new manager.
Watford 1-4 Liverpool
