Liverpool vs Watford: How The Reds could line-up | Premier League 2018-19

If anyone had given Liverpool this position at the start of the season, they would've taken it happily
If anyone had given Liverpool this position at the start of the season, they would've taken it happily

Liverpool is top of the table by only a point, with the chasing team being the current champions, Manchester City. Since the turn of the year, Liverpool has had many issues with their attack, suspensions, & tactical decisions. They recently drew against a somewhat depleted Manchester United at Old Trafford.

If anyone would've given Liverpool this position at the start of the season, they would've taken it with both hands. Keeping that in mind, they won't be able to win the prestigious title if they don't increase their performance levels.

Next up, Liverpool faces Watford at Anfield in a late kickoff. So here we have a look at the team Liverpool would probably line up with against Watford.


Goalkeeper

Alisson Becker

Alisson Becker - safe hands
Alisson Becker - safe hands

Since being signed, Alisson Becker has been the undoubted #1 for Liverpool. His playing from the back ability and distribution seems to be the characteristics Jurgen Klopp wants from his keeper. He made a brilliant save against Watford last time out and will be hoping to keep a clean sheet again.


Full-backs

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Right-back)

Trent Alexander- Arnold
Trent Alexander- Arnold

Trent did not play in the derby against Manchester United, with Klopp going for the more experienced James Milner. But he is expected to make a return at Anfield.

Andrew Robertson (Left-back)

Andrew Roberston
Andrew Roberston

He has been the undisputed #1 in the side. He performed well against Manchester United. Klopp would certainly expect more from him in an attacking sense.


Centre-backs

Joel Matip & Virgil van Dijk

Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk
Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk

There's very little choice available for Liverpool when it comes to centre-backs, with Lovren & Gomez not yet match fit. Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk looked solid against Manchester United and would look to continue that against Watford.

Midfield

Fabinho

Fabinho (l)
Fabinho (l)

He will play at the base of midfield, whether in a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3. He has settled well into the side, & performed reasonably well against Manchester United. Liverpool would need more of him driving forward with the ball.

Naby Keita

Naby Keita
Naby Keita

He did not play last time out vs Manchester United, but with Roberto Firmino a doubt for the game, he might just get picked over Jordan Henderson, given his attacking instinct, as well as Fabinho & Gini Wijnaldum being almost untouchables in the playing XI.

Gini Wijnaldum

Gini Wijnaldum (r)
Gini Wijnaldum (r)

No one can really say anything about his chances of selection, he is the automatic choice when it comes to midfield. He has been very consistent this year both at home & away. He could play at the base of midfield or get forward with Fabhino in the side.

Forwards

Mohamed Salah (Striker)

Mohamed Salah - the Egyptian King
Mohamed Salah - the Egyptian King

With Roberto Firmino being a doubt, he should play as the striker, as he has done always when Firmino isn't in the side. He will look to break the record of fastest to reach 50 goals in the Premier League.

Sadio Mane (Left Wing)

Sadio Mane (l)
Sadio Mane (l)

He will have to play the role of Firmino - creation wise, as well as running in behind the defence. Jurgen Klopp would expect more from him, given his performance at Old Trafford. He would look to combine with Andy Robertson to increase the pace of Liverpool's passing.

Xherdan Shaqiri (Right Wing)

Xherdan Shaqiri
Xherdan Shaqiri

With Roberto Firmino out, Shaqiri is the automatic choice for Jurgen Klopp, as he is the most creative player in the squad after the Brazilian. Shaqiri would have a great chance on Wednesday to impress Klopp and seal a regular berth in the Liverpool line-up.

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