The much awaited return of the English Premier League is finally here, and we can’t wait for the new season to formally kick-off. The big guns are spilling the cash to recruit top quality players, while other clubs are also looking for smart recruitments to improve their squad. Given the unpredictability of this league, we are sure to be in for some major upsets and limelight moments in the season to follow. Here, we have prepared the preview for the clash between Watford FC who will lock horns with the Liverpool FC reds.
WATFORD FC vs. LIVERPOOL FC
Three-way: 1: Watford +550; X: +340 Draw; 2: Liverpool -159
Spread +1: Watford -106; Liverpool +106
Total +2.5: Over -112; Under +110
WATFORD FC
After just about surviving the drop from the English Premier League last season, the Hornets had to make sure that they improve from the 17th position finish last year and get better results in the coming season. After a decent season in the 2015-16 season, Watford fell from grace and just about managed to save themselves from relegation humiliation. The board has tried to make sure that this season doesn’t turn out on the same path, starting with the appointment of young Portuguese manager Marco Silva, who almost dragged out Hull City from the relegation zone.
They have had a comparatively decent transfer window so far. They have signed highly rated Chelsea youngster Nathaniel Chalobah on a five year deal. And for a price of 6.3 million Euros, they 22-year old midfielder who has accumulated almost a 100 appearances across age groups for England might just prove a bargain. Joining him is another talented midfielder, his compatriot and national team mate Will Hughes, who joins from Derby for a deal worth 9.1 million Euros. They have also managed to secure the signature of Tom Cleverly from Everton on a permanent basis for 9.3 million, while bringing forwards Andre Gray from Burnley and Richarlison from Fluminense, for a joint 32 million Euros, with the former coming for a club record 20.4 million Euros.
The Hornets have played 6 preseason friendlies, out of which, they have won two, drawn three, and lost one. This run also included the disappointing loss against AFC Wimbledon by 3:2. All in all, during this stretch of the six friendly matches, Watford has scored 5 goals only, while conceding 4. The most impressive fact is that they have kept four clean sheets, which shows that their defense has improved.
There are a few injury concerns in the medical department for Watford. New arrival Chalobah was withdrawn with a groin strain on 28th June, and he faces a race against time to be fit for the opener against Liverpool. Similarly, Ben Watson, who has been out since February, is also battling a groin strain. Joining him on the long term absentees list is Argentine forward Mauro Zarate who is out with Cruciate Ligament injury, and is not in contention for the first round. Defensive Midfielder Valon Behrami is also out with a hamstring problem since March, and is a major concern to face Liverpool.
LIVERPOOL FC
Under the guidance of the ever lovable and enthusiastic manager Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool has become a club renowned for their wonderful attacking play, that has won over supporters and neutrals alike. However, no team will be mentioned in the history books without adequate silverware, which makes it all the more important for Klopp to play his cards right this season, so that he can add to his Capital one cup trophy from his tenure at Merseyside so far.
The attack has never been a problem for the current Liverpool side, as they have made a habit of scoring for fun against any team. It is the defense, that actually needs some work, as they tend to lose out points to seemingly lower level clubs who just sit back and hit on the counter, something that was clear as they lost 4:3 to Bournemouth last season, as the Cherries defeated them on the counter attack and set pieces.
Liverpool has shown a few positive signs in the transfer window so far. They have added extremely talented striker Dominic Solanke on a free transfer from Chelsea (compensation amount to be given to Chelsea for his development will be decide by tribunal). He is just 19, and has already bagged a couple of goals in friendly matches. Joining him in attack is another former Chelsea talent, Mohamed Salah, who has joined for a club record amount of 35 million Euros. After his time at Roma, he has become a truly terrific attacker, with impressive output when it comes to assists and goals. They have also addressed the left back problem by bringing in Andrew Robertson from Hull City for a sum of 9 million Euros. He is a good player, but whether he is Liverpool level, it is yet to be decided.
The Reds have had a pretty intensive preseason schedule, where they took part in the Premier League Asia trophy and the Audi Cup. One of the most impressive results was their victory against Bayern Munich where they won 3:0, another testament to their attacking abilities. In all the matches of preseason, they have scored a massive 21 goals. In the same 9 matches, they have conceded only four goals, which has shown improvements in their defense, even though it is just the pre season.
There have been a few injury concerns for the Merseysiders ahead of their league opener. Goalkeeper Adam Bogdan continues his recovery from Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Nov 2016, and is well on his way to return to the first team picture, but not before this weekend, meaning he is out for the opener. Joining him is Danny Ings, who is out due to a knee operation in October 2016 and is on his way to recovery, even though no exact date can be set so far. Adam Lallana recently injured his Hamstring during preseason, and hence, will be out till the end of September at least. Along with these players, defenders Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho are both out due to Muscular problem and Ligament injury respectively, although Lovren might be in contention to make the squad.
WATFORD FC vs. LIVERPOOL FC – MATCH PREDICTION:
This match looks to be an exciting one. On paper, it looks like a clear win for Liverpool, as they have a better set of players, who are comparatively more experienced than the players in the Watford squad.
However, Liverpool has a habit of slipping up against these mid-table to lower table clubs, and hence, it won’t really be surprising if Watford is able to pull off a shock here and prevent Liverpool from grabbing all three points.
Still, Jurgen Klopp will be on his toes to make sure such an embarrassment is avoided, and he has it in him to motivate his players in the right way possible. Therefore, my prediction will be an away win for Liverpool.
MY PICK: LIVERPOOL FC to win (-159)
