Match Preview: Liverpool vs Watford - Key Battle, Team News, Prediction

The international break has come to an end, which means that Liverpool will welcome Watford to Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

Both sides have had very different seasons. After 29 Premier League fixtures, Liverpool sit in second-place on the table and are only one-point behind league leaders Manchester City.

Watford on the other hand sit in the relegation zone and are three points from safety. Below is a preview of the Premier League clash between the Reds and the Hornets.

Key Battle:

Watford are unlikely to come out and play at Anfield. There is no way a team that could potentially get relegated will try and go toe-to-toe with a side that has scored 75 goals in 29 Premier League matches this season. It just doesn't happen.

Watford will look to stay compact against Liverpool to give themselves a chance.

The Reds will have to move the ball around with pace and precision if they are to break down the Hornets' stubborn defence.

However, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp does have the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota at his disposal.

Therefore, the Reds should be confident of scoring a couple of goals against the Hornets' defence (Ben Foster, Christian Kabasele, Samir and so forth).

But, Watford's Ismaila Sarr is capable of finding the net.

The winger has scored 24 goals in 86 appearances for the Hornets' first-team. If Liverpool can generate chances and keep Sarr quiet, they will give themselves a great chance of winning.

Team News:

Liverpool duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Naby Keita pulled out of international duty this month due to respective injuries.

The Liverpool Echo has claimed that Alexander-Arnold will be aiming to return for the club's pivotal Premier League clash against Manchester City at the Etihad on the 10th of April.

Keita on the other hand was not spotted at club training yesterday. Therefore, it is highly likely that both players will miss this weekend's Premier League clash.

Watford boss Roy Hodgson has close to a full squad to pick from, according to the club's official website.

They have confirmed that Nicolas Nkoulou will be available for the match against Liverpool. The centre-back has recovered from a long-term hamstring injury.

Previous Premier League Meeting:

Liverpool smashed Watford 5-0 at Vicarage Road earlier this season. Mane, Firmino (hat-trick) and Salah were the Reds' goalscorers on the day.

Despite the fact that the Brazilian found the back of the net three times against Watford last time round, all the talk was about Salah post-game. The winger scored an amazing goal on the same day.

Klopp told the club's official website the following: "Yeah he is, for sure, one of the best (players) in the world now.

"It's obviously not for me or whatever to say who is the best. For me, he's the best.

"I see him every day and that makes it more easy for me, but Mr (Robert) Lewandowski is out there, (Cristiano) Ronaldo still scoring like crazy, (Lionel) Messi still putting out performances on a world-class level, (Kylian) Mbappe and all these kind of things and others will come.

"But, yes, in this moment he is for sure on top of that list."

Prediction:

Watford could prove to be a tricky opponent for Liverpool. As we have stated, they are attempting to avoid relegation.

With that being the case, it would be fair to assume that the Hornets will bring plenty of energy to the match.

In saying that, if Liverpool can remain calm and focused, they should defeat Watford. The reality is, the Reds are a far better side than the Hornets.

Also, Liverpool have plenty to play for. They are in the middle of a title race after all.

But, nothing is ever guaranteed in the Premier League.

Liverpool 2 Watford 0