Football AnalysisWatford vs. Liverpool
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Following the international break, Liverpool will travel to Watford on Saturday lunchtime to try to get back on track in the Premier League.
Before the international break, Jurgen Klopp’s side drew 2-2 with Manchester City, with goals from Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne canceling out Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah’s efforts.
After seven games, the Reds are in second place in the league table, but the demanding fixture schedule is sure to add to Klopp’s frustrations this weekend.
Team news
Watford
• Before the break, Watford fired Xisco Munoz and replaced him with Claudio Ranieri, a former Chelsea and Leicester manager. It’s unclear how Watford will line up in this match.
• Christian Kabasele and Francisco Sierralta, both centre-backs, are out for the next few weeks. During the break, Nicolas Nkoulou signed on as a free agent and could be needed right immediately.
• During the international break, Daniel Bachmann saw action and will compete with Ben Foster for a starting spot in goal.
• With King a significant doubt, Joao Pedro gained minutes as a substitute before the break and might make his first start of the season today.
Liverpool
• After their late return from international service, Liverpool will most likely be missing Brazilian combo Alisson and Fabinho, although Roberto Firmino is available after not being called up.
• Firmino appears set to make his second league start of the season, with Diogo Jota unlikely to be fit in time owing to a niggling muscle issue.
• Caoimhin Kelleher is anticipated to take over in goal from Alisson, while Jordan Henderson may have to fill in for Fabinho. With Trent Alexander-Arnold returning from a groin injury, James Milner might return to midfield.
• With a Champions League match against Atletico Madrid three days later, Thiago is unlikely to be risked.
• Curtis Jones is expected to start against Watford on Saturday after recovering from a knock for the England U21s in midweek.
• Virgil van Dijk started both of the Netherlands’ games over the international break, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he was rested today in preparation for the Champions League next week. For the away team, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez are on standby.

Prediction
• Watford fired Xisco Munoz before the international break and replaced him with Claudio Ranieri, a former Premier League winner. The Italian starts with a stern test against Liverpool at home.
• Liverpool is still unbeaten this season, but their defense has been shaky of late, and they will be without Alisson for this match. They were also crushed 3-0 by Watford last time out, with Ismael Sarr running them weary, and were fortunate to win the game before that.
• Nonetheless, even if Watford benefits from a new manager bounce, Liverpool will be expected to win and win well. Mohamed Salah is probably one of the finest players in the world right now, and only West Ham (9) has scored more goals in the Premier League than Watford (8).
Match Facts
• Liverpool hasn’t lost in their last 17 games (Premier League).
• In their last four road encounters, Liverpool has scored at least three goals (Premier League).
• In Liverpool’s last six away games, there have been more than 2.5 goals scored (Premier League).
• In five of Watford’s last six games, there have been fewer than 2.5 goals scored (Premier League).
Watford possible starting lineup:
Foster; Rose, Nkolou, Troost-Ekon, Femenia; Sissoko, Kucka, Dennis, Cleverly, Sarr; Pedro
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Matip, Robertson; Milner, Henderson, Jones; Salah, Firmino, Mane
Our Prediction: Watford 0 – 3 Liverpool