Watford had a disastrous end to last season. They lost their last six matches and finished just one place above the relegation zone, which spelled the end for manager Walter Mazzarri. In comes new manager Marco Silva, who was unable to rescue Hull City from the drop but still managed to do a fine job with the Tigers despite very little talent at his disposal.
He should have a much better squad to work with at Watford. They spent a good chunk of money this summer on midfielders Tom Cleverley and Nathaniel Chalobah, as well as strikers Andre Gray and 20-year-old Brazilian Richarlison.
They broke their transfer record twice for those two strikers, and will hope their talent can help them improve an attack that could muster just 40 goals last season (5th-fewest in the league). With captain Troy Deeney a doubt for the Liverpool match with a groin problem, Gray, who scored nine goals for Burnley last season, looks set to make his debut.
Watford did have a respectable record at Vicarage Road last season. They won eight of their 11 games there, and also scored 10 more goals and conceded 10 fewer than on the road.
Liverpool manager successfully led the club back to the Champions League after last year’s fourth place finish, but the Reds will be gunning for Premier League success this time around. However, he will have a handful of selection concerns ahead of their season opener.
They are already missing midfielder Adam Lallana, who is out for the first three months with a thigh injury. Starting right-back Nathaniel Clyne and perpetually-injured striker Daniel Sturridge are also doubts due to injury. But by far the most impactful absence could be that of playmaker Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian is currently linked to a big-money move to Barcelona, which could see him miss out on the opener.
But even without Coutinho, the Reds still have a wealth of attacking talent to throw at Watford, whom they absolutely demolished 6-1 at Anfield last season. Breakout star Sadio Mane was rampant with two goals, while midfielders Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum—who should both be in the starting XI if Coutinho does miss out—also got on the scoresheet. The addition of new signing Mohamed Salah to the mix should also help ease Coutinho’s loss from the lineup.
Liverpool have historically had Watford’s number, winning eight of their last nine meetings in all competitions.
Writer’s Prediction
Liverpool (-210) outgun a Watford team still finding its feet as the Reds run out 2-0 winners at home.
