Liverpool need big performance against Watford

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Liverpool have drawn three of their last four Premier League matches following their nil-nil stalemate with Manchester United on Sunday. The Reds now host Watford on Wednesday in desperate need of a big performance against the Hornets.

Despite pundits claiming Liverpool threw away a big chance for a win at Old Trafford, they are still in first place, one point ahead of Manchester City. A draw away to Manchester United was a good result, but anything less than a win against Watford will be a major failure.

Watford go into the game in great form. Javi Gracia’s team in unbeaten in five of its last six matches. Watford’s last match in the Premier League saw them destroy Cardiff, 5-1. The Hornets will have one eye on the FA Cup quarterfinals. However, they are able to play with freedom in the league thanks to their current seventh place position. They are the best of the rest in the league.

Liverpool will be without striker Roberto Firmino due to an ankle injury he suffered against Manchester United. After Firmino went off, fellow forwards Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah faded from the game. In Salah’s case, he has been out of form since his two-goal performance against Crystal Palace in mid-January.

Liverpool need their leading scorer to find form quickly. Firmino left Old Trafford on crutches on Sunday, but he wasn’t wearing a protective ankle/foot boot. However, tests on Monday will determine just how long the Brazilian will be out. Regardless of the timeframe, Firmino will most likely miss Wednesday night’s game.

Strikers Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi could deputise. However, Klopp may play Salah through the middle to get him more into the game while inserting Xherdan Shaqiri on the wing.

Liverpool are undefeated in their last six matches against Watford in the Premier League. The Reds have won five times while drawing once. Five of those six matches have seen a minimum of 2.0 goals. Earlier this season, Liverpool won 3-0 against Watford at Vicarage Road. The Reds did take some time to get started, but found the back of the net three times in the last 23 minutes. Salah, Firmino, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all scored while Jordan Henderson was sent off late in the game.

Watford are in form, but they are coming up against a Liverpool side they have struggled against. The Reds will get a much-needed win at Anfield, a venue they are 34-games undefeated at in the Premier League. Like their previous matches, Wednesday night’s game will see goals with both sides finding the back of the net. Liverpool will get the best of Watford as their stars rise to the occasion.