Injury hit Liverpool go to London
Published:
Reds without Coutinho, Sturridge & Lallana
Jurgen Klopp takes his Liverpool side to London to open the show on the first Saturday of the new Premier League season. The visitors have a fantastic recent record in week one – will they continue that at the expense of Watford?
Football fans are in for a real treat, with big games going ahead in all major British leagues, as well as the top divisions across Europe. Watford vs Liverpool is live on Sky Sports from 12.30pm, and you can kick-start your day with a winning bet at Coral.
Klopp aiming to continue week one form
We’ll start with a hard-hitting stat to help ease you in to the new season, and Liverpool have won their opening match of the league campaign in each of the last four years. None of those fast starts have led to them lifting the title, but everyone in the away dressing room will be keen to extend that run.
It’ll be no easy feat however, as Klopp marches his side down to the big smoke with a lengthy injury list. It’s unlikely Barcelona target, and fans’ favourite, Philippe Coutinho will play, and his absence will be made more painful with Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana also on the sidelines. As well as that sick list, Klopp must guard his side against complacency.
German Can continue his scoring ways
Speaking to the press this weekend, the likeable German gaffer said all the talk is about their upcoming Champions League qualifier, but the players must ensure gaining three points in Watford is the main target. He credited the attitude shown by his players in training however, and thought they were in a good place.
Liverpool won here earlier this year, claiming a 1-0 back in May thanks to an Emre Can first-half decider. That narrow victory completed the double, following a 6-1 at Anfield in November. Can was also on target that day, and you can back the German midfielder to net again at 12/1 first or 4/1 anytime.
Silva looking to start afresh
Watford, now under the guidance of Marco Silva, will be eager to put the failings of last season behind them. They enter on their longest Premier League losing run, but Silva aims to get the fans onside at the earliest opportunity, and putting a stop to that slump would be the perfect way to win them over.
The Hornets don’t stand much chance, according to our traders, who offer the locals at a chunky 19/4. Those looking to avoid the match betting will find comfort in the stats – seven of the last eight meetings of these sides has seen either team win to nil. Clicking no in the both to score coupon rates as a 19/20 play. Liverpool win to nil is our call at 17/10.
