Two in-form sides go head to head at Anfield on Sunday – make sure you don’t miss the action with this preview.
Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat at Watford in December of last season was an early wake-up call for Jurgen Klopp. The reverse at Vicarage Road left the Reds ninth, two places below the Hornets, and revealed the scale of the task that the German boss faced.
Adam Bogdan looks dejected after Watford’s Odion Ighalo scores their third goal last season
Less than a year on, Klopp’s Anfield revolution is in full swing as the two sides prepare to meet again. The 4-2 win at Crystal Palace last weekend kept Liverpool level on points with the league leaders, while no team has scored more than the 24 goals that the Reds have netted.
Equally impressive has been Watford’s start. The Hornets sit seventh – just as they were after beating Liverpool last season before a collapse in the second half of the season – and have lost just once on their travels so far.
The Key Battle – Roberto Firmino vs Younes Kaboul
Firmino’s delicate chip sealed Liverpool’s victory at Selhurst Park last weekend and took the Brazilian’s tally to four league goals.
He comes up against an experienced Premier League campaigner on Sunday in Kaboul, who has been a consistent performer in the Watford backline since his summer move from Sunderland.
Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino scores their fourth goal
Last Meeting:
Liverpool took the points when these sides last met in May, with Firmino and Joe Allen on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win.
Roberto Firmino scores the second goal for Liverpool against Watford
The Hornets last emerged victorious from Anfield in August 1999, when Tommy Mooney’s early goal was enough to secure all three points.
Recent form – most recent last:
Liverpool – WWWDWW
Watford – WLDWDW
Who’s the ref?
Michael Oliver will be the man in the middle for Sunday’s clash.
The 31-year-old was in charge of Watford’s standout result this season – the 3-1 win over Manchester United – and also took control of Liverpool’s victory at Swansea. Oliver is yet to show a red card in 12 games this season.
Watford’s Troy Deeney in action with Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva
What time is kick off?
The match begins at 2.15pm.
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports 1 are showing this one as the first part of the Super Sunday double header. Coverage begins at 1.30pm.
Odds
Liverpool – 2/7
Draw – 9/2
Watford – 9/1
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