Liverpool v Watford Betting Tips

Whilst there has rightly been coverage of Liverpool’s entertaining style of play and relatively good start to the season, Watford have been sneaking under the radar and find themselves in a lofty seventh position.

Liverpool have a great advantage against the top Premier League sides this season as they are not playing in any European competition, allowing them to be freshly prepared for each league match. This has been reflected in recent league form as the Reds have not lost a Premier League match since their shock 2-0 loss away at Burnley back in August. They are certainly title contenders right now, but whether that will last to the end of the season is another matter.

Their forward-line of Sadio Mane and Brazilian duo Philipe Coutinho and Roberto Firminio is probably the most exciting in the Premier League. So good in fact that they are keeping natural goalscorer Daniel Sturridge on the bench. The way that the three of them interchange and play so well off each other is mesmerising to watch at times. The shackles are certainly off for the trio and defences are suffering for it.

Jurgen Klopp will of course be concerned over his squad, though, especially at the back. The Reds have had just one clean sheet all season and even that one against historic rivals Manchester United was rather fortunate. With a dodgy back-line and arguably a dodgy goalkeeper, Liverpool heavily rely on outscoring their opposition to win games. If they do not sort that defence soon, they will be punished as there is no doubt that the attacking trio of Mane, Coutinho and Firminio will have a few off days this season – such is the way of football.

Going into this match, though, they will still feel confident that they can claim victory.

Walter Mazzarri’s Watford are perhaps a little inconsistent and you are never sure which team will turn up. However, they are undefeated in their last four matches and all against teams who will be in and around the relegation zone come the end of the season. Not losing against any of these opponents means it is quite a bit more likely that the Hornets will be safe for another season.

A criticism of Watford’s 4-4-2 formation is that they are very open defensively, but, they have not conceded in any of their last three Premier League fixtures and actually look pretty solid at the back. That being said, going up against one of the league’s best attacking sides in Liverpool will be another test altogether.

This formation with the two up front has worked particularly well for striker and captain Troy Deeney. The Birmingham-born front man may not have scored in his three matches, but he is still just a solitary goal off 100 goals for the club. Going up against a shaky Liverpool defence may be a good chance for the 28-year-old to reach that milestone.

Overall, I think we can expect the same as usual in this match involving Liverpool – plenty of goals. This prediction is enhanced by Watford’s attacking prowess which will no doubt have a large impact on the game.

It would be rather foolhardy to go against a Liverpool win at Anfield here, such is the run they are on. However, do assume Watford will roll over.

Last week yielded a good winner where Liverpool were concerned (Liverpool to Win & Both Teams to Score) and much of the same is fancied here. The odds have shortened a bit on this market, but I still think the value is exceptional in these circumstances. I would definitely advise you to take advantage of it here at what looks a very good 2/1. Backing the straight ‘Both Teams to Score’ is also a worthy selection here.

See all of Sunday’s tips here.