Watford v Liverpool: Predicted starting XIs for both sides
By Tom Bogert
Liverpool and Watford open their 2017/18 Premier League campaigns on Saturday. How will each side line up?
This fixture came in May last season, in an otherwise dry match that was punctuated with the goal of the season as Emre Can scored a ludicrous overhead kick as the lone goal in Liverpool’s 1-0 win. It kept them on pace for Champions League qualification.
Naturally, in the build up to this fixture, Can was asked a ton of questions about this one moment. He must have been glad to speak about it: it’s stunning.
Emre Can: "I will never forget that goal in my career, in my life, it was the best goal I ever scored." #LFC pic.twitter.com/I7cSgF7gAt
— Viktor Fagerström (@ViktorFagerLFC) August 10, 2017
What a goal.
Speaking of Can, he’s yet to sign a new contract at Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp has put that on the backburner as he fends off Barcelona’s interest in Philippe Coutinho, who is likely to be unavailable for selection due to a knock.
Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson have been Liverpool’s only signings for the first team, though Dom Solanke has exceeded expectations this preseason. At least the club is determined to keep hold of Coutinho, thus they have lost no key players from last season’s fourth placed side.
Watford have had a busier summer. They’ve confirmed the signings of Will Hughes, Nathaniel Chalobah, Kiko Femenia, Daniel Bachmann, Tom Cleverley, Richarlison and Andre Gray. A stunning summer for the Hornets.
Last season, Watford finished 17th, narrowly avoiding the drop. The intent shown this summer is to be even more ambitious than simply avoiding relegation, though that is always the goal for a club in their position.
How many of Watford’s new signings will make the opening day lineup? How will Liverpool cope without Coutinho, Nathaniel Clyne, Adam Lallana and Daniel Sturridge?