The weekend is rapidly approaching and I can't wait to get back to some Premier League fixtures. Today, I'm going to be taking a look at Saturday afternoon's Watford vs Liverpool game to make some predictions and look for interesting bets.
Current Form
Watford
Watford have been somewhat of a surprise so far this season and currently sit in 7th place on 20 points, ahead of Manchester United on goal difference. However, the team's form has dipped over the recent weeks and in the previous 5 fixtures, they've only managed 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses.
After the opening 12 games of the Premier League this season, Watford have scored 17 goals, an average of 1.42 goals per game. Defensively, they've been quite impressive having conceded 14 goals, an average of just 1.17 goals per game. That's not bad at all for the size of the club.
Liverpool
A lot has been said about Liverpool so far this season in regards to the team managing to pick up important points when they've not been playing at their best. In the previous 5 league fixtures, the Reds have 3 wins and 2 draws to Arsenal and Manchester City. It's fair to say, I believe, that this Liverpool team are in good form. This is evidently the case when you consider that they remain unbeaten in the league this season alongside Manchester City and Chelsea.
As an attacking threat, Liverpool haven't yet reached the peaks of last season but have still managed to score 23 goals, an average of 1.92 goals per game. Defensively, this Liverpool team have improved significantly and have only conceded 5 goals all season, an average of just 0.42 goals per game.
Head to Head
In the previous 10 fixtures between the clubs, Watford have won 1, Liverpool have won 8, and there has been 1 draw. Historically, Liverpool have dominated this fixture and thrashed Watford 5-0 in the latest game between the clubs back in March.
Analysis
Watford
Watford's bonus here is the fact that they have the home advantage. After a break for international fixtures, this could have a positive effect as the crowd will be right behind the team, and there is a chance that Liverpool may be a little rusty in the early stages of the game.
Watford will be well aware of Liverpool's attacking threat so I would expect them to try to remain organised when they're not in possession of the ball. It would be a mistake, however, for them to try to sit too deep as Liverpool have an array of attacking talent that can unlock defences in a split second.
If Watford are going to stand any chance here then they'll need to find a balance between attacking Liverpool when they have the chance and remaining compact to avoid the counter-attack from Klopp's side. This team has shown that it can get the job done so far this season, but their recent form will be a little worrying for their supporters. A loss and draw against struggling Newcastle and Southampton respectively recently shows that they're still vulnerable and this Liverpool team are a much bigger threat than teams facing a relegation battle.
Liverpool
On paper, this is the kind of game that Liverpool supporters will think is an easy 3 points. However, with Watford having shown that they're capable of playing really well this season, Klopp's team will need to put in a decent performance to get a result away from home here.
Recent performances from this Liverpool team have been somewhat underwhelming but at some point things will click into place. The fact that these players have been away on international duty could either be a positive or negative thing for Klopp to deal with. If the players are reinvigorated from the time away then things could finally gel and Watford could be in for a long afternoon. However, the worry here is that things may feel a little disjointed and that would play into the home team's hands.
Liverpool's defence has been very impressive so far this season and I would expect that to continue for the most part. The key to winning this game will be for the Reds to take control of the midfield and to dominate possession. With Salah, Firmino, and Mane upfront, and potentially Shaqiri playing behind them, the Reds only really need one of them to be on form to be able to cause damage. However, if Liverpool cannot control the midfield then the attacking quartet may find themselves frustrated.
Predictions
As a Liverpool supporter, my heart is telling me that the Reds will get the job done here. However, there are some slight doubts in my mind simply due to the unpredictable nature of games after international breaks and the fact that Liverpool haven't been at their best so far this season. If this game was taking place at Anfield I would be much more confident, but I still feel that Liverpool should have more than enough to get the job done.
Prediction: Liverpool win
Score Prediction: Watford 0 - 2 Liverpool
Betting Picks
Mane to score anytime at 2.40
This is more of a hunch than an educated pick, but I have a feeling that Mane will be wanting to make an impression after the issues he had with the Senegal supporters over the international break. He's been in pretty good form this season so I may have a small flutter on this pick.
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