Liverpool vs Watford
Premier League 2018-19
Venue: Anfield
Date: Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Kick-off: 8:00pm GMT
Liverpool will attempt to maintain their place back at the Premier League summit when they return to action at Anfield on Wednesday evening.
Jurgen Klopp's side reclaimed top billing on Sunday, though missed the chance to go three points clear of title rivals Manchester City - who were busy winning the League Cup - with just 11 matches remaining after being held to a goalless draw by Manchester United at Old Trafford.
With City hosting West Ham on the same night, the Reds will likely need to record only their second top-flight win in February to ensure they remain in first place, but will certainly not have it easy against a Watford team in excellent form.
Thanks in no small part to a hat-trick from Gerard Deulofeu, Javi Gracia's Europa League-chasing Hornets thrashed Cardiff 5-1 on Friday night to climb into seventh - a position they still hold on goal difference after Wolves drew at Bournemouth.
Liverpool vs Watford team news and predicted line-ups
Liverpool are likely to be without Roberto Firmino, who was substituted with a right ankle injury in the first half against United and was seen leaving the stadium on crutches.
Klopp could not elaborate on the issue after the full-time whistle, but did suggest that the Brazilian - who was replaced by Daniel Sturridge - tends to recovery quickly.
Andy Robertson was set to have a scan on an arm injury sustained on Sunday that required a brace, but the manager does not think Dejan Lovren (hamstring) will be available.
Joe Gomez (ankle) and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (knee) remain sidelined.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson, Milner, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Salah, Sturridge, Mane
Despite returning to first-team training, Kiko Femenia is Watford's only injury absentee having still not fully recovered from a hamstring issue sustained in mid-January.
Fellow full-back Jose Holebas will serve the final match of a two-game ban automatically incurred after collecting 10 yellow cards.
Predicted Watford XI: Foster, Janmaat, Mariappa, Cathcart, Masina, Doucoure, Capoue, Hughes, Pereyra, Deulofeu, Deeney
Score prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Watford
Liverpool simply need to stop drawing so many games if they are to keep formidable City at bay and end their long title drought.
Their recent record against Watford is very good, though will have to be wary of a team full of confidence searching for a fourth successive victory.
Liverpool vs Watford tickets
To check ticket availability click here to head to Liverpool's website.
Betting tips via Betfair | UK users only | Subject to change
Match odds
- Liverpool to win: 1/4
- Draw: 5/1
- Watford to win: 12/1
First goalscorer odds
- Mohamed Salah: 11/4
- Sadio Mane: 7/2
- Roberto Firmino: 4/1
- Daniel Sturridge: 4/1
- Divock Origi: 4/1
Click here to find the latest match odds and place a bet.
TV channel and live stream, and online coverage
The match will not be available to watch live in the UK.
But you can follow all the action with Standard Sport's LIVE blog from Anfield.
Head to Head history (h2h)
The teams have met 11 times in the Premier League, with Liverpool having won eight matches and Watford only two. There has been one draw - a six-goal thriller on opening weekend in 2017.
Liverpool have won the last two fixtures comfortably, scoring eight goals without reply. They triumphed 3-0 at Vicarage Road in November.
Mohamed Salah has scored six times in three matches against Watford.
