Jurgen Klopp has named Lucas Leiva in his starting lineup for Liverpool’s Sunday afternoon clash with in-form Watford at Anfield.
The Reds welcome Walter Mazzarri’s side to Merseyside as they look to preserve their excellent run of form, having gone 11 games unbeaten in all competitions.
After last weekend’s 4-2 victory away to Crystal Palace, Liverpool will be confident of securing another three points.
Loris Karius keeps his place in goal, behind a back four of Nathaniel Clyne, Joel Matip, Lucas Leiva and James Milner, who has recovered from illness to take Alberto Moreno‘s place at left-back.
Lucas’ inclusion comes after Lovren pulled out of Croatia duty for the November international break.
In midfield, Jordan Henderson continues his run as Klopp’s No. 6, with Adam Lallana and Emre Can flanking the Englishman in a three-man unit.
Lallana will be pushing forward to support the Reds’ forward three, which is once again comprised of Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino.
Ahead of Sunday’s clash, Firmino spoke of his partnership with his compatriot, Coutinho, saying “we think the same way.”
The No. 11 netted the final goal at Selhurst Park, with Firmino and Coutinho scoring 10 goals and laying on nine assists between them this season.
With Karius keeping his starting place, Simon Mignolet is again named on the substitutes’ bench, along with Moreno, Ragnar Klavan, Georginio Wijnaldum, Ovie Ejaria, Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge.
Mazzarri has named former Reds striker Jerome Sinclair on his substitutes’ bench, after the 20-year-old made the switch to Vicarage Road on the expiry of his contract in the summer.
Liverpool: Karius; Clyne, Matip, Lucas, Milner; Henderson, Lallana, Can; Mane, Coutinho, Firmino
Substitutes: Mignolet, Klavan, Moreno, Wijnaldum, Ejaria, Origi, Sturridge
Watford: Gomes; Janmaat, Kaboul, Britos, Holebas; Amrabat, Behrami, Capoue, Pereyra; Deeney, Ighalo
Substitutes: Pantilimon, Mariappa, Kabasele, Zuniga, Watson, Guedioura, Sinclair
Odds & TV Info
Liverpool are the resounding favourites to get the better of their opponents, with Klopp’s men 3/10 to leave Anfield with a win.
Watford are a whopping 12/1 to secure victory, which considering their impressive current league position, seems a little unfair on the visitors. The draw is 4/1.
The match is live on Sky Sports 1 from 1:30pm (BST) with kick-off at 2:15pm. Sky Sports 1 can be streamed live in UK with a NOW TV Day Pass — click here to get 10% off.
Fan Comments