{"id":544512,"date":"2020-02-28T08:02:38","date_gmt":"2020-02-28T13:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=544512"},"modified":"2020-02-28T08:02:38","modified_gmt":"2020-02-28T13:02:38","slug":"if-naby-keita-is-given-a-second-chance-against-watford-he-must-take-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2020\/02\/28\/if-naby-keita-is-given-a-second-chance-against-watford-he-must-take-it\/","title":{"rendered":"If Naby Keita is Given a Second Chance Against Watford, He Must Take It"},"content":{"rendered":"

Liverpool<\/a> are closing in on the Premier League title and are only four victories away from it. Their next game comes on Saturday at Vicarage Road where they play Watford<\/a>. They will hope to take another step closer to the title. One player who will hope for a better showing than in his previous game is Naby Keita.<\/p>\n

Naby Keita Need to Offer Improvement Against Watford<\/h2>\n

Another Chance to Impress<\/h3>\n

Liverpool started the previous game against West Ham United<\/a> with a midfield of Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum<\/a> and Naby Keita due to injuries to both Jordan Henderson<\/a> and James Milner<\/a>. It is possible that this trio start together again, though Keita will need to improve if this is the case. His general play was sloppy and he has been hit by injuries since signing for Liverpool.<\/p>\n

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain<\/a> will be hoping to take Keita’s spot in the starting line-up. The England international added a drive and intensity to Liverpool’s game against West Ham. He was also in fine form prior to that fixture, so will hope to be rewarded with a start. Jurgen Klopp could spring a surprise and start Adam Lallana<\/a> though this seems unlikely. It appears that both his captain and vice-captain will again miss the game, limiting Liverpool’s midfield options.<\/p>\n

Our Number Four<\/h3>\n

Virgil van Dijk<\/a> will likely captain the side again given the absences of Henderson and Milner. He is set to be partnered by Joe Gomez<\/a>. The duo have largely impressed as a partnership this season, though could have done better against West Ham. They will be hoping for an improved showing against the Hornets.<\/p>\n

Trent Alexander-Arnold<\/a> and Andrew Robertson<\/a> should continue in their respective roles, while Alisson will look to continue his quest for his second Golden Glove.<\/p>\n

Attack, Attack, Attack<\/h3>\n

With speculation about attacking signings<\/a> such as Timo Werner<\/a>, it can be easy to forget just how good the current front three are. Roberto Firmino<\/a> has been in fine form away from home whilst both Sadio Mane<\/a> and Mohamed Salah<\/a> provided a reminder of their talents by helping themselves to a goal each against West Ham.<\/p>\n

Predicted XI<\/strong>: Alisson; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson; Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum, Naby Keita; Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane<\/p>\n

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Main Photo<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>