Watford v Liverpool 12th August: Premier League match preview

WATFORD, ENGLAND – MAY 01: Emre Can of Liverpool scores the opening goal during the Premier League match between Watford and Liverpool at Vicarage Road on May 1, 2017 in Watford, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /

And we’re back! Liverpool kick off their Premier League campaign this Saturday away in the early game against Watford.

Game 1: Watford (A)

Liverpool will kick off the 2017/18 Premier League Season Campaign against Watford at Vicarage Road on Saturday. After a solid preseason, with wins against Bayern Munich and Athletic Bilbao there is a lot of reasons to be excited.

New signings Mohammad Salah and Dominic Solanke have proved that the summer transfers have not been so bad after all. Both players getting amongst the goals and assists in preseason.

Liverpool were able to finish fourth last year, just about securing their place in the Champions League playoffs. They started the season well, from August to December playing very exciting football and sitting in the top four. They will be hoping for a similarly strong start this year.

Watford had an average season but in the end avoided relegation from the Premier League. with games to spare. That led to an awful run as Watford finished the year with 5 straight losses. That led to a change in manager and hiring Marco Silva to take the reins. He will bring a more nuanced tactical approach. They have added some exciting young players in Will Hughes and Nathan Chalobah. They will be keen to make their mark with their new team.

Liverpool have confirmed Adam Lallana will be out for a few months. Daniel Sturridge will also miss some games. Both picked up injuries during the preseason campaign. There are questions over Philippe Coutinho after picking up a knock in training. He did not travel with the team to Dublin for Liverpool’s final preseason game against Bilbao.

My starting 11:

Mignolet; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Lovren, Moreno; Henderson, Can, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane.

Watford have lost against Liverpool in the Premier League six times out of seven meetings. The Reds won this fixture last season with Emre Can’s bicycle kick proving vital for the Reds hopes of reaching Champions League qualification.

Liverpool will certainly go into this game with a lot more confidence, with their recent performances and signings.

Prediction: An easy 3-0 Liverpool win with Sadio Mané amongst the goals.

Next: If Coutinho is to leave in 2018 we need to spend big now

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