Liverpool host Watford at Anfield in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon. They will seek to, at least temporarily, extend their gap over Leicester City to 11 points. The Reds are currently enjoying their best-ever run in the Premier League and will be desperate for victory over the Hornets to see that continue. Jurgen Klopp has opted for a rotational approach during the festive period so far, so this game could see squad players such as Divock Origi start.
Saturday Noon and I Like the Way You Move, Divock Origi
Divock Origi in for Roberto Firmino
Jurgen Klopp could opt to start Divock Origi against Watford. The Belgian striker impressed earlier this month in the Merseyside derby, scoring twice. He would likely come in to replace Roberto Firmino who, despite his natural talent, has looked off the boil in recent games.
Mohamed Salah will expect to start and will be hoping to produce a better performance than against RB Salzburg. Though he scored a world-class goal in that game, he was guilty of missing several chances that a player of his quality should be putting away. Sadio Mane has arguably been the Reds’ best player this season and will expect to start.
Xherdan Shaqiri will likely join Firmino on the bench with both representing good options for if Liverpool are chasing a result late on in the game.
Looking for a Third Successive Clean Sheet
Liverpool kept successive clean sheets for the first time this season against Bournemouth and RB Salzburg. The defence will be hoping to add another one to their collection against the Premier League’s bottom side.
Virgil van Dijk will retain his place, while Joe Gomez will partner him following Dejan Lovren‘s injury. The Croatian joins Joel Matip on the treatment table. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson will expect to continue at full-back, though James Milner is an option if Klopp opts to rotate at the back.
Alisson will remain in goal, with Adrian on the bench as back-up.
A Midfield Dilemma
Klopp’s side are blessed with quality depth in midfield and this has been shown by how little Fabinho’s absence has affected the side. At least one of Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum should start, though Klopp’s policy of rotation suggests that one will be rested. Naby Keita is finally showing the form many expected of him at Liverpool and will be hoping for another start while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has consistently impressed this season.
Adam Lallana has missed the last two games through injury and there has been no sign that he has returned, while James Milner remains an option for Jurgen Klopp.
Predicted XI: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Andrew Robertson; Georginio Wijnaldum, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain; Sadio Mane, Divock Origi, Mohamed Salah.
