Liverpool vs Watford odds, betting tips and predictions

First will play last when Liverpool take on Watford this Saturday in the English Premier League. Unsurprisingly, EPL betting sites are forecasting a one-sided affair in the opening bout of Matchweek 17.

Jurgen Klopp’s men trounced Bournemouth 3-0 on the road last weekend to stretch their unbeaten streak to 18 games in all competitions. The victory took the league leaders to 46 points in the EPL standings, eight points ahead of second-placed Leicester City and 14 points above defending champions Manchester City.

Liverpool secured a spot in the UEFA Champions League knockout rounds in midweek and face a congested December schedule. Besides three crucial matches in the Premier League, the Reds also have a Carabao Cup clash with Aston Villa and the FIFA Club World Cup within the next five days.

SEE ALSO: EPL MATCHWEEK 17 MULTI TIPS

Watford ended a three-game losing streak with a goalless draw at home to Crystal Palace last weekend. The result leaves the Hornets at the foot of the table with only nine points from their opening 19 matches, six points (plus plenty of goal difference) away from safety and a massive 37 points behind Liverpool at the helm.

That horror record prompted the club to hire former Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson to replace the beleaguered Quique Sanchez Flores, who was sacked following the defeat to Southampton a fortnight ago. Pearson, who hasn’t managed a Premier League side since being fired by the Foxes four years ago, becomes the third Watford manager this season.

Pearson comes in with one big feather in his cap: he has never been relegated as a manager. Even so, the new Watford boss faces a baptism of fire this weekend against the reigning European champions.

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Liverpool team news

Defenders Joel Matip and Nathaniel Clyne are both sidelined with knee injuries, while Brazilian midfielder Fabinho is still recovering from an ankle problem. Adam Lallana is available after missing the midweek Champions League game with a knock, although he won’t be rushed back given Liverpool’s depth in midfield.

The major concern for the Reds is Dejan Lovren, who left the field with a muscle stain on Tuesday night. If the Croatian defender does not pass fit, Joe Gomez will partner Virgil van Dijk in defence.

Watford team news

Defender Craig Dawson is set to miss Watford’s trip to the North West due to a head injury, while Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley will miss the encounter due to a hamstring and heel problem respectively. The defensive duo of Sebastian Prodl and Daryl Janmaat are long-term absentees due to knee injuries and Jose Holebas will miss the encounter with an ankle issue.

Mo Salah goalscorer odds and specials

• Salah first goalscorer – +275 at Bovada
• Salah to score/Liverpool to win – -142.86

Mohamed Salah is currently Liverpool’s joint-leading scorer, tied on 11 goals in all competitions with his attacking partner Sadio Mane. The Egyptian forward went on a dry spell after his masterclass against Man City in early November, but two goals in his last two outings – including an incredible angled finish in the win over Red Bull Salzburg – suggest he is ready to fill his boots against Watford.

Liverpool vs Watford betting predictions

It’s easy to see why Liverpool are head and shoulders above the rest of the pack. The Reds have entered their 11th month without a defeat in the Premier League, with their last loss suffered against Manchester City in January.

Nigel Pearson is a survival specialist and his appointment may come as a huge shot in the arm for Watford. Unfortunately for the Hornets, they stand very little chance against one of the most gifted attacking sides in Europe.

Prediction: Liverpool to win both halves – +125 at Bovada

Liverpool vs Watford recent results

Liverpool 5-0 Watford (February 27, 2019)
Sadio Mane 9’, 20’
Divock Origi 66’
Virgil van Dijk 79’, 82’

Watford 0-3 Liverpool (November 24, 2018)
Mohamed Salah 67’
Trent Alexander-Arnold 76’
Roberto Firmino 89’

Liverpool 5-0 Watford (March 17, 2018)
Mohamed Salah 4’, 43’, 77’, 85’
Roberto Firmino 49’

Watford 3-3 Liverpool (August 12, 2017)
Stefano Okaka 8’
Abdoulaye Doucoure 32’
Miguel Britos 90+3’
Sadio Mane 29’
Roberto Firmino 55’ (P)
Mohamed Salah 57’

Watford 0-1 Liverpool (May 1, 2017)
Emre Can 45+2’