LIVERPOOL VS WATFORD: PREDICTED LINEUP

Liverpool host relegation threatened Watford tomorrow. Victory will see Jürgen Klopp’s side move top of the table for the first time in six months! Here’s how we think Jürgen Klopp could line his side up for the encounter.

For a match preview, you can head over here:

https://made4liverpool.com/2022/03/31/liverpool-vs-watford-preview/

The Reds have won their last nine league games in a row to move within a victory of topping the table. Beating Hodgson’s Hornets will pile the pressure on City who play at Burnley later tomorrow. The manager delivered a passionate call to arms for the Anfield crowd in his pre-match presser.

It is sure to be a charged atmosphere as a tenth consecutive league victory is pursued. Coming straight after the international break, there could be one or two players left out depending on their exertions with their respective countries.

Sadio and Mo went head to head in an emotionally draining affair just a few days ago. The titanic duo have been in training since and will be closely monitored ahead of kickoff tomorrow. Salah will want to play immediately to try and move on from the pain of missing out on the World Cup.

Sadio would also want to play as he’s on a high after netting the winning penalty to send his country to the flagship tournament, just weeks after scoring the penalty that won them their first AFCON trophy. It is almost a fully fit squad with only Naby Keita (knee) out.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was expected to train with the team today, after overcoming a hamstring injury. The manager will make a decision on his involvement but it seems Benfica on Tuesday is the safer bet.

In goal, Alisson Becker will look to keep yet another clean sheet after recording his 26th of the campaign (for club and country) last time out. Ahead of him, the first choice centre back partnership of Matip and Van Dijk is likely to start.

If Trent is not risked, we could see either Milner or Gomez take that right back spot. Joe played really well in that position against Forest, whilst Millie returned from illness over the international break. The 36 year old hasn’t started a game since Norwich in the FA Cup a month ago.

Joe’s recovery pace gives him a slight edge as Watford will rely on swift counter attacks. On the left side, Robertson is expected to return after overcoming his bout with Covid. He enjoyed an hour long showing against Austria in midweek.

In midfield, Fabinho is expected to start. The Brazilians returned from international duty earlier than usual this time. There was no last minute private jet dash with the duo returning early enough to take part in training yesterday.

Alongside the Brazilian is likely to be Thiago. The Spaniard was not called up by Luis Enrique so has had the past fortnight off. He should be raring to go as a result. Completing the midfield is the skipper. He was unused in England’s last friendly against Ivory Coast.

Hendo has made the most appearances for the club this season (41) and will want to lead the side back to the top of the table. This trio is widely accepted as Jürgen Klopp’s first choice midfield and what better time to unleash them than at the start of this crucial run?

Upfront, the competition for places is intense. Diaz and Salah suffered World Cup heartbreak on international duty, whilst Jota, Mané and Minamino helped earn their respective countries a ticket to Qatar. Firmino meanwhile has had the past fortnight off after missing out on a call up for Brazil.

Diogo is a man in form having scored or assisted in each of his last four appearances for club and country. He could line up on the left wing, with Bobby starting through the middle to offer by the side that extra bit of creativity and link up in attack against a deep lying Watford defence.

Mo on the right is a straightforward decision. He’s got an incredible record against Watford and must be hurting from events in Senegal this midweek. What better way to get over it than to help the side go top of the table with a win tomorrow?

That leaves Sadio and Luis in reserve. Not a bad pair of subs to have if you need something extra from the bench in the second half. Everyone will be needed in this run in with a huge game every couple of days.

Predicted team:

Alisson, Gomez, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago, Salah, Firmino, Jota.

Subs: Kelleher, Konaté, Tsimikas, Milner, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jones, Minamino, Diaz, Mané.