14th December – Top vs Bottom clash as Reds host Watford

With both managers signing the dotted line in the week, the two sides couldn’t be in more contrasting situations.

Nigel Pearson is the new man at the helm at the Hornets after Javi Gracia and Quique Sanchez Flores both failed to get the Hertfordshire side ticking in 2019/20.

Whereas the German has been nothing but fabulous in the four years at Anfield, leading to him signing a two year extension on Friday.

The Reds hope to continue their superb home form which has seen them win every game in the Premier League so far this year and avoid defeat since April 2017.

Last time out the Reds took on a very exciting Salzburg side who, featuring future Red Takumi Minamino, fell short of expectation and succumbed to a 2-0 defeat. Goals from Naby Keita and Mohamed Salah sealed the deal in Austria.

Watford’s match under caretaker manager Hayden Mullins finished as a goalless draw against Crystal Palace at Vicarage Road. Gerard Deulofeu came closest for the Hornets but to no avail as they sit six adrift of 18th placed Southampton.

Liverpool are unbeaten in seven home matches against Watford – and could become the first side in history to beat the same opponent by five or more goals for four consecutive seasons.

The Reds are still without a clean sheet at Anfield in all competitions though, but with two in the previous matches against Salzburg and Bournemouth they will hope for a change in the Anfield tide.

Team news

Liverpool will be without Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip meaning Joe Gomez is almost guaranteed to start for the home side. Nathaniel Clyne and Fabinho are also out.

Roberto Pereyra and Adam Masina are set to be assessed for their availability, with Jose Holebas side-lined for definite.

From the Dugout

Jurgen Klopp:

“I have no interest in stats, not in this case. It’s just like it is, we have to play a lot of games.

“That’s the only way we can do it, we have no idea what is in May. We play tomorrow, that is enough. Watford have a new manager, we can throw our analysis in the bin!”

Nigel Pearson:

“Can we stay up, you’re asking? Yes. For sure we can stay up, but we’re going to have to have a collective buy-in from everybody associated with us.

“This strikes me as a club with an identity that maybe we need to redefine on the pitch. But I’m confident we can do that.

“I’m not going to try to reinvent the wheel. It would be slightly foolish of me to think there’s going to be a revolution; first and foremost it’s the mindset of the players.

“If it has been damaged and their confidence has been eroded by us not being able to find the answers this season, myself and the staff will do everything we can to help them on the journey.”

Head-to-head

Liverpool Wins – 23

Draws – 4

Watford Wins – 5