Claudio Ranieri could not have dreamt of a trickier first game in charge of Watford, as Liverpool head to Vicarage Road in the Premier League’s early kick-off on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have yet to taste defeat this season and currently sit second in the table – one point shy of first-place Chelsea.
That build-up 🔥What has been your favourite team goal we've ever scored? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/hcMSO1PfTT— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 11, 2021
That build-up 🔥What has been your favourite team goal we've ever scored? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/hcMSO1PfTT
On the flip side, the Hornets find themselves down in fifteenth place – four points clear of the relegation zone and eight points behind Liverpool.
Watford parted ways with former manager Xisco Munoz just before the international break, following a fourth defeat of the season.
The Hornets have only managed to win two of their opening seven league matches this term, recording one draw and four losses along the way.
It is worth pointing out, however, that Watford have lost just four of their previous 28 games on home soil – underlining their strength at Vicarage Road.
That said, they have won just one of their past six encounters in all competitions – so it’s no real surprise that Xisco was sacked.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have taken four wins and three draws from their opening seven league games this season.
Not only are they the top scorers in the Premier League, but they also boast the joint-third best defensive record in the division.
When you look at the bigger picture, the Reds have not lost any of their previous 19 matches across all competitions.
They have also suffered just four defeats in their last 29 away games, emphasising their confidence on the road.
Mohamed Salah has been immense so far this term, chalking up nine goals and three assists in nine appearances.
Head-to-head: Believe it or not, Watford beat Liverpool 3-0 in their previous meeting back in February 2020.
However, Watford have only managed to win one of their last nine meetings with Liverpool – suffering seven defeats in that time.
It is also worth noting that eight of the previous 11 games between Watford and Liverpool have produced over 2.5 goals.
Team news: Watford are currently without injured trio Franciso Sierralta, Peter Etobo and Craig Cathcart.
Harvey Elliott is Liverpool’s only guaranteed injury absentee, although Diogo Jota, Curtis Jones, Divock Origi, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Thiago Alcantara are all doubts.
Watford will be hoping to enjoy a “new-manager bounce” on Saturday, but Liverpool should be too strong for the Hornets.
Forebet predicts that Liverpool will seal a high-scoring victory at Vicarage Road, with a total of over 3.5 goals expected.