Premier League preview and odds: Watford vs Liverpool

Published on: 17/12/2015

Premier League preview and odds: Watford vs Liverpool

December 20, 2015 13:30pm - Vicarage Road

Premier League

Newly-promoted Watford will be looking to ignore the scri pt once again this Sunday lunchtime when they welcome ninth-ranked Liverpool to Vicarage Road in the Premier League.

Watford on European trail

With 16 games played, rather scrapping for points in a relegation battle, Watford are sat in seventh place in the table within touching distance of the European places. This weekend, they will be looking to keep put pressure of the teams above them by recording their fourth straight victory.

They come into this game on the back of a 1-0 triumph away to Sunderland last Saturday thanks to a 10th goal of the season from Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo. The win completed a treble of victories against struggling clubs following on from wins over Norwich (2-0) at home and Aston Villa away (2-3).

Liverpool still stuck in the middle

Liverpool cannot seem to break out of the mid-table positions despite some signs of improvement under new boss Jurgen Klopp. A win this weekend could lift them to within striking distance of the top-four ahead of their Boxing Day clash at home to table-toppers Leicester City.

Last weekend, it took a late goal from Divock Origi to grab a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw against West Brom at Anfield. After previously expressing his disappoint with fans who left early in the recent defeat to Crystal Palace, Klopp was full of praise for the support that inspired his team to rescue a point. He showed his gratitude by joining his players in a group bow to the Kop. Although this act is quite common in Germany it bewildered some members of the British media who described it as a celebration. Team news

The home side should be at full strength with the exception of long-term absentee Joel Ekstrand.

Meanwhile, Liverpool could welcome back Mamadou Sakho but will have to cope without Dejan Lovren, Danny Ings, Daniel Sturridge, Joe Gomez and Jon Flanagan.

Recent form (League)

Watford: WWWLL

Liverpool: DLWWL

Betting odds and tips

Watford have lost three of their last five at home, while Liverpool have lost just one of their last four on the road. This should be a close encounter but the Reds should have what it takes to pick up their third away win in four. Unfortunately, the best price you will get is around Evens.

You can find better value in the goal scoring market where Odion Ighalo is available at 5/2 with Bet365 to score anytime.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 17/12/2015

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (17/12/2015 17:43:29) but are subject to change.