Liverpool fire three late goals past Watford despite Jordan Henderson red card
Liverpool maintained pressure on table-topping Manchester City with three second-half goals sealing a comfortable 3-0 victory at Watford on Saturday.
After a largely uneventful first half, Mohamed Salah put the ball past Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster in the 67th minute before England defender Trent Alexander-Arnold scored a stunning second goal.
The 20-year-old beat Foster with a brilliant whipped free kick from 25 metres nine minutes later, before his international team mate Jordan Henderson was dismissed for a second bookable offence.
Liverpool were not hindered by their numerical disadvantage, however, with Roberto Firmino adding a late third goal as the visitors extended their unbeaten start to the Premier League season to 13 games.
Juergen Klopp's side remain second with 33 points and trail Champions City by two points after Pep Guardiola's side beat West Ham United 4-0 on Saturday. Watford slipped to eighth after a third game without victory.
Yes, Claudio Ranieri takes charge at Craven Cottage for his first game as Fulham manager.
The Cottagers are in dire need of points sitting bottom of the table with just five through the Premier League's first 12 games. Southampton sit just three points ahead, and thus both sides will be targeting a crucial win today.
It looks like it may be a 4-2-3-1 rather than the traditional 4-4-2 usually utilised by Ranieri.
For the first time as West Ham manager, Manuel Pellegrini faces Manchester City, the club with which he won the 2013-14 Premier League title.
An attacking look to his Irons team today. Michail Antonio comes in as part of an forward-most quartet that also includes Grady Diangana, Felipe Anderson and Marko Arnautovic. With three strikers on the bench (including the returning Andy Carroll), West Ham have some serious firepower.
No Benjamin Mendy for the visitors. Fabian Delph enjoyed an excellent international break, starting twice for England and captaining his country for the first time, and gets the nod as the Frenchman's replacement at left-back.
A must-win game for Jose Mourinho's side, but they will take heart from the fact that Crystal Palace have not won at Old Trafford since 1989, and lost 11 games straight at the stadium.
Roy Hodgson's side are also winless in their last seven in all competitions. A tough ask for his team.
Wilfried Zaha may be licking his lips, however. Matteo Darmian is back in the Manchester United team at right-back...
The surprise package through the first third of the season, Watford resume action with a tough home fixture against Liverpool.
The away team are without Joe Gomez after he took a bang to the ankle in training, while Troy Deeney makes his first start in seven weeks for Javi Gracia's side.
Watford have won five of their last seven at Vicarage Road, and beat Spurs at home earlier in the season. Another upset?
Two Premier League teams high in spirits meet on Merseyside this afternoon.
Cardiff have proves some naysayers wrong with a brighter spell of late, and will hope to continue their better form with an away victory at Goodison Park.
Everton have a torturous period on the horizon with games in December including clashes with Tottenham and Manchester City, as well as a Merseyside Derby next weekend, and thus victory here is a must. Marco Silva's men could go sixth if results go their way.
Finally, Leicester have made the trip down to Sussex for their meeting with Brighton.
With clean sheets in their last two games, Brighton will be looking to continue their strong defensive run with Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy paired in central defence again. Pascal Gross returns and Chris Hughton will be hoping he can provide for Glenn Murray. The 35-year-old striker is on excellent form with six goals this season, though he has never scored against Brighton's opponents today in seven previous attempts.
Jamie Vardy is on the bench after a groin niggle, so Shinji Okazaki leads the line at the Amex Stadium.
A strong start from Manchester United, and Anthony Martial has a good early opening. Aaron Wan-Bissaka does enough to put him off and Wayne Hennessey manages to smother the ball away.
Watford vs Liverpool kicks off at 3:00pm (GMT) on Saturday 24 November.
Where can I watch it?
The match will not be shown live on TV or online in the UK.
Independent Sport will keep you up to date with all the goals as they fly in via our live blog.
Highlights will be shown at 10:20pm on BBC One.
Player to watch…
Sadio Mane: The Liverpool forward signed a new long-term contract at Anfield on Thursday, and has scored seven goals for the Reds this season. The Senegalese, who has put away 40 goals in 89 appearances since joining from Southampton in 2016, scored at Vicarage Road on the opening day last season in a 3-3 draw, and will be looking to add to his tally this Saturday as Liverpool strive to continue their unbeaten start.
SadioMané joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2016 (Getty)
Form guide…
Watford: LLWWLD
Liverpool: WWWDLW
Odds…
Watford to win: 11/2
Liverpool to win: 13/25
Draw: 33/10
Prediction...
Watford 1-3 Liverpool
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