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Jordan Henderson
60'
Mohamed Salah
67'
Jordan Henderson
82'
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F18%2F47%2Fmohamed-salah.jpg "Watford 0-3 Liverpool - as it happened")
Liverpool extended their unbeaten Premier League start to 13 games courtesy of a 3-0 victory over Watford at Vicarage Road this afternoon.
It took until the 67th minute for the title hopefuls to make the breakthrough, but quickfire goals from Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold saw Jurgen Klopp's side take full control over the game.
A red card for Jordan Henderson threatened to let Watford back into it, but Roberto Firmino wrapped up the points with a third goal late on.
Find out how all of the action unfolded courtesy of Sports Mole's minute-by-minute updates below.
5pmRight, that is all we have time for this afternoon!
Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for today's game as Liverpool keep the pressure on Man City with a 3-0 win over Watford at Vicarage Road! I will leave with with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction too.
From me, though, it is goodbye for now!
Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for today's game as Liverpool keep the pressure on Man City with a 3-0 win over Watford at Vicarage Road! I will leave with with our match report, and be sure to stick around for reaction too.
From me, though, it is goodbye for now!
4.58pmLiverpool remain two points off the top in the Premier League, then, courtesy of a 3-0 victory over Watford at Vicarage Road.
It is an impressive scoreline, but it is harsh on Watford and it wasn't until the 67th minute that Liverpool made the breakthrough. Salah opened the scoring, and Alexander-Arnold and Firmino added to it despite Liverpool having to play the closing stages with 10 men after Jordan Henderson was sent off.
It is an impressive scoreline, but it is harsh on Watford and it wasn't until the 67th minute that Liverpool made the breakthrough. Salah opened the scoring, and Alexander-Arnold and Firmino added to it despite Liverpool having to play the closing stages with 10 men after Jordan Henderson was sent off.
90+4 minWATFORD 0-3 LIVERPOOL
90+2 minLIVERPOOL SUB: A third and final change for Liverpool sees Joel Matip replace Firmino.
90+1 minThere will be four minutes of added time at the end of this match.
90+1 minChance for Watford to pull one back as Cathcart rises unmarked inside the area to meet a corner, but he cannot keep his header down.
89 minLiverpool add a third late on as Robertson leads the charge on a counter-attack. The Scot finds Mane in the middle, but the Senegal international sees his striker brilliantly saved by Foster.
The ball drops to Firmino, though, and he manages to bundle his header past Foster. A moment of confusion follows, with players looking to the linesman, but he was onside and the goal counts.
The ball drops to Firmino, though, and he manages to bundle his header past Foster. A moment of confusion follows, with players looking to the linesman, but he was onside and the goal counts.
89 minWATFORD 0-3 LIVERPOOL (ROBERTO FIRMINO)
87 minIt all opens up for Pereyra to have a go at goal and he tries to bend his 25-yard shot into the far corner, but Alisson watches it drop past the post.
86 minLIVERPOOL SUB: Defensive change from the visitors - as you might expect - as Fabinho replaces Salah.
84 minThe ball drops to Success inside the area, but his low strike is blocked before it can test Alisson.
82 minWhat did I say?! This one has been coming - Henderson picks up a second yellow card for a bodycheck on Capoue, and now Liverpool will have to see out this game with 10 men.
82 minJORDAN HENDERSON (LIVERPOOL)
81 minJon Moss has a long word with Henderson, who has already been booked of course. The Liverpool skipper just needs to rein himself in a little here.
79 minA short corner is worked into the box and only cleared as far as Henderson, but the captain's first-time effort flies a long, long way over the crossbar.
78 minThat second goal came just after Watford had brought on a third out-and-out striker - good for their chances of perhaps clawing their way back into this match, but it could also leave them exposed at the back.
76 minBrilliant from Alexander-Arnold! The right-back scores a stunning free kick from all of 25 yards to surely take this game beyond Watford!
Foster was left rooted to the spot as the youngster's effort flew over the wall and in, and now Watford really do have a mountain to climb.
Foster was left rooted to the spot as the youngster's effort flew over the wall and in, and now Watford really do have a mountain to climb.
76 minWATFORD 0-2 LIVERPOOL (TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD)
75 minWATFORD SUB: Attacking change from the hosts here as Andre Gray comes on for Hughes.
74 minLIVERPOOL SUB: Liverpool make their first change of the match as James Milner replaces Shaqiri.
73 minLiverpool are only able to clear a cross as far as Capoue, who is urged to shoot by the fans and obliges with a long-range half-volley which flies well over the crossbar.
71 minWatford need to take a few more risks now, which could in turn open up more space for Liverpool's attackers at the other end. This one is very finely poised with around 20 minutes remaining.
69 minIt may not be a win as emphatic as Man City are producing at West Ham, but as things stand it is another three points on the board from a difficult fixture for Klopp's side.
67 minLiverpool finally break the deadlock, and it is the scourge of Watford Mohamed Salah who gets the goal!
The front three are all involved as Firmino slides a pass down the left channel for Mane, who in turn pulls the ball back into the box. Salah is there to meet it and squeezes his first-time finish past Foster, who perhaps should do better.
The front three are all involved as Firmino slides a pass down the left channel for Mane, who in turn pulls the ball back into the box. Salah is there to meet it and squeezes his first-time finish past Foster, who perhaps should do better.
67 minWATFORD 0-1 LIVERPOOL (MOHAMED SALAH)
65 minUPDATE: Fulham have re-taken the lead against Southampton, with Mitrovic getting his second of the game! That would be a much-needed win for the Cottagers - it is now 3-2.
64 minAnother chance for Liverpool to counter, but Mane delays his pass to Salah just too long and the offside flag is raised against the Egyptian winger.
63 minHalf a chance for Liverpool as Lovren produces a lovely turn and digs a cross out to the back post, but Firmino cannot get good enough contact on his effort at the back post.
62 minUPDATE: Everton have ensured that at least one Merseyside outfit are winning today - Gylfi Sigurdsson has given them the lead against Cardiff.
60 minHenderson is the first name in the book today, dragging Success down to stop a counter.
58 minWATFORD SUB: Watford make the first change of the evening as Deulofeu is replaced by Isaac Success.
57 minUPDATE: It is turning into a thrilling Premier League return for Ranieri - Southampton have levelled things up at 2-2, with Armstrong getting his second of the game.
55 minBIG shout for a penalty from Watford as Hughes goes down under the challenge of Robertson, who was just a bit late getting to the ball. However, the Scot took his foot away just in time and Jon Moss has got that one spot on.
54 minAlexander-Arnold swings a cross into the box and Firmino attempts an outrageous bicycle kick, but unlikely Emre Can's winner on this ground a couple of seasons ago he doesn't get it right.
52 minThere have been signs of Watford beginning to tire a little in their defensive work both at the start of this second half and the end of the first. Liverpool are being forced to be patient, but they will be confident that chances will come.
50 minGood chance for Liverpool as Firmino breaks into the box before slipping a pass to Mane, who hits the post but does so from an offside position.
48 minLiverpool have quickly reassumed control of possession at the start of this second half - it has fallen back into a familiar rhythm straight away!
46 minLiverpool get us back underway for the second half!
4.02pmMATCH STATS!
Liverpool had 69% possession in that first half, but it was only in the final six minutes that they began to make use of that. You can check out all of the match stats by clicking here.
Liverpool had 69% possession in that first half, but it was only in the final six minutes that they began to make use of that. You can check out all of the match stats by clicking here.
4pmFoster has been the busier of the two keepers, also denying Firmino and Mane in the closing stages of that first half, but Alisson has also been called into action.
Watford's best chance fell the way of Pereyra just seconds after Firmino had registered the first shot of the game in the 39th minute, but Alisson reacted really well to turn his powerful half-volley away from goal.
Watford's best chance fell the way of Pereyra just seconds after Firmino had registered the first shot of the game in the 39th minute, but Alisson reacted really well to turn his powerful half-volley away from goal.
3.58pmThe only moments of any real note prior to the 39th minute saw Watford have an early goal disallowed and Alisson escape without punishment for a risky pass out from defence, but it was in those closing stages that the majority of the highlights came.
The closest we have come to an opener was from Mo Salah, who ghosted into the box unmarked to get his head to a corner, only for Foster to scramble across and make a crucial stop on the line.
The closest we have come to an opener was from Mo Salah, who ghosted into the box unmarked to get his head to a corner, only for Foster to scramble across and make a crucial stop on the line.
3.56pmThe first half comes to an end at Vicarage Road, then, and it took until the 39th minute for it to spark into life.
It was a pretty dire affair for the vast majority of that half, in truth, but the chances began to flow in the final six minutes and it bodes well for a much more entertaining second half!
It was a pretty dire affair for the vast majority of that half, in truth, but the chances began to flow in the final six minutes and it bodes well for a much more entertaining second half!
45+1 minWATFORD 0-0 LIVERPOOL
45 minThere will be one minute of added time at the end of this first half.
44 minUPDATE: Is this the kickstart Fulham need? They have come from behind to lead Southampton through Andre Schurrle's goal!
42 minWhere has this flurry of chances come from?! From the resulting corner, Salah is left completely unmarked to ghost into the box, but Foster scrambles across to get to his downward header right on the line!
41 minOne lightning Liverpool counter-attack is ended by some last-ditch defending, but the visitors are back on the front foot moments later as Mane collects a pass from Shaqiri before acrobatically getting a shot away which Foster needs to save.
39 minSuddenly this match has burst into life! Watford go up the other end seconds later and Deulofeu plays the ball in to Pereyra, who fires a powerful effort towards goal which Alisson does really well to save! Big chance, and Pereyra probably should have scored!
39 minWe have a shot! It is a good one too as Firmino pounces on a loose pass before unleashing an early strike which Foster has to get down low to save.
38 minLiverpool come forward down the left flank this time and Robertson lifts a cross towards the back post, but he puts too much on it and the ball drops behind for a goal kick.
36 minLiverpool have edged that possession up to more than 70% now, but it is still all coming in front of the Watford defence.
34 minUPDATE: Fulham have their first goal of the Ranieri era! Mitrovic has levelled things up for the Cottagers against Southampton, while elsewhere Man City have added a third against West Ham as Sane gets in on the act. Another assist for Sterling too, who now has two and a goal of his own already today.
32 minWe're half an hour into this match now and we're still yet to see a shot of any description. That tells you all you need to know about this one so far!
30 minUPDATE: Things are looking bleak for Leicester at Brighton! They are 1-0 down and now down to 10 men too as Maddison has been sent off, picking up his second yellow for diving inside the area.
29 minLiverpool have had almost 70% possession so far this afternoon, but they have not been able to use it well. A lot of credit has to go to Watford for that, though. They are forcing the visitors to be patient.
27 minHe looks a bit groggy, but Femenia is back on.
26 minConcern over Femenia here as Foster comes clattering into him, and the defender needs treatment. All the concussion tests are carried out, but we'll have to wait and see whether he is able to continue.
24 minAnother cross provides Liverpool with their first opportunity of the game as Shaqiri clips a free kick into the area. Wijnaldum gets the wrong side of his marker and tries to hook a difficult first-time volley towards goal, but he can't get anything on it and Foster collects.
23 minThere has been no room for Liverpool's attackers to work with so far. The visitors' most dangerous moments so far have come from crosses into the box.
21 minJavi Gracia will be very happy with his side so far. They are carrying out his gameplan to a tee, keeping their shape before countering when they are able to pinch the ball back. It is the hosts who have had the two most notable moments so far.
19 minUPDATE: Liverpool are struggling to get going here, but Man City are having no such trouble. They are now two up against West Ham, with Raheem Sterling adding the second. Things go from bad to worse for Fulham too - they have fallen behind to Southampton in Ranieri's first match at the helm.
17 minLiverpool are just playing keep-ball at the moment, but Watford are refusing to get dragged out of their shape. Very disciplined from the hosts so far, and Liverpool are struggling to even get through their midfield, yet alone the defence.
15 minUPDATE: Bad news for Liverpool fans - Manchester City have taken the lead against West Ham through David Silva. There has also been a goal between Brighton and Leicester, where the Seagulls have taken the lead through Glenn Murray.
13 minGood spell of possession for Liverpool as they probe for a way through, but it is all coming in front of the Watford players at the moment.
11 minLiverpool's attackers keep Watford penned into their own third, but the hosts are eventually able to get out and an exquisite touch from Deeney sets up a break. The captain's eventual ambitious crossfield ball is cut out, but that was a good response from the hosts to some growing pressure.
9 minBig chance for Watford to strike as Alisson plays a risky pass to Firmino, who is dispossessed to leave three Watford players in on goal. The pass towards Deulofeu is heavy, though, and Robertson is able to dig his keeper out of trouble.
7 minAnother alert piece of goalkeeping from Foster as this time he comes off his line to collect a Robertson cross which looked destined for the head of Salah.
6 minSome lovely football from Liverpool almost opens up the Watford defence and Shaqiri's clipped pass forward almost deflects into the path of Firmino. Foster is alert, though, and comes racing off his line to collect.
4 minThis has been a positive start from Watford, who are looking to take the game to Liverpool early. They have been direct so far, and have already broken in behind the Liverpool defence once.
2 minWatford have the ball in the back of the net inside two minutes as Deeney flicks the ball over for Deulofeu, who races through on goal and fires his finish past Alisson. The linesman's flag is up, but it was raised very late.
Correct decision, though!
Correct decision, though!
1 minHere we go! Watford get us underway at Vicarage Road!
2.58pmRight, the players are out and we're almost ready to get going now! A quick recap of the team news first...
WATFORD STARTING XI: Foster; Femenia, Cathcart, Mariappa, Masina; Hughes, Doucoure, Capoue, Pereyra; Deulofeu, Deeney
LIVERPOOL STARTING XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Shaqiri, Mane, Salah; Firmino
WATFORD STARTING XI: Foster; Femenia, Cathcart, Mariappa, Masina; Hughes, Doucoure, Capoue, Pereyra; Deulofeu, Deeney
LIVERPOOL STARTING XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Shaqiri, Mane, Salah; Firmino
2.56pmAcross all competitions Liverpool have won nine and lost just one of the last 11 meetings between these two sides, keeping seven clean sheets in the process.
Encouragingly, there has never been a goalless draw between these two sides in the top flight, and if last season is anything to go by we could see plenty fly in today too. Hopefully they can prove my prediction wrong!
Encouragingly, there has never been a goalless draw between these two sides in the top flight, and if last season is anything to go by we could see plenty fly in today too. Hopefully they can prove my prediction wrong!
2.54pmEight of those goals came last season alone, with Mohamed Salah the star of the show at Anfield with a four-goal haul, which Firmino added to to seal a 5-0 drubbing in March.
Liverpool's last visit to Vicarage Road produced even more goals, although this time they were shared as Miguel Britos scored a dramatic 93rd-minute equaliser to seal a 3-3 draw on the opening day of last season.
Liverpool's last visit to Vicarage Road produced even more goals, although this time they were shared as Miguel Britos scored a dramatic 93rd-minute equaliser to seal a 3-3 draw on the opening day of last season.
2.52pmOne of Watford's most memorable results in recent years was a 3-0 victory over Liverpool in December 2015, but Liverpool have dominated this fixture since then.
The Reds have won four of the last five meetings, with the other ending as a draw, scoring 17 goals in the process at an average of more than three per game.
The Reds have won four of the last five meetings, with the other ending as a draw, scoring 17 goals in the process at an average of more than three per game.
2.50pmPREDICTION: Right, we're 10 minutes away from kickoff at Vicarage Road, which means that it is time for a prediction!
This looks like being a tricky test for Liverpool, with Watford a somewhat unpredictable team, so the result could depend on which version of the home side turn up. There were goals galore last season, but we don't see that being the case again this time around.
SPORTS MOLE SAYS: Watford 0-1 Liverpool
This looks like being a tricky test for Liverpool, with Watford a somewhat unpredictable team, so the result could depend on which version of the home side turn up. There were goals galore last season, but we don't see that being the case again this time around.
SPORTS MOLE SAYS: Watford 0-1 Liverpool
2.48pmLiverpool have only won one of their last five away games across all competitions, but they are unbeaten in their last six in the Premier League, winning four of those.
There is another big away match coming up in the Champions League on Wednesday as Liverpool take on PSG in Paris, and that precedes another huge game with the Reds hosting Everton in the Merseyside derby next Sunday.
Fans may have one eye on those two games, but Klopp knows that his side need to be fully focused on this one today.
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There is another big away match coming up in the Champions League on Wednesday as Liverpool take on PSG in Paris, and that precedes another huge game with the Reds hosting Everton in the Merseyside derby next Sunday.
Fans may have one eye on those two games, but Klopp knows that his side need to be fully focused on this one today.
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2.46pmThere was another clean sheet before the international break as Liverpool beat Fulham 2-0 last time out, although it was not without its controversy as Salah's opener came just seconds after Fulham had had a goal wrongly disallowed for offside.
Liverpool's most recent Premier League away game came at the Emirates Stadium, meanwhile, when they played out a 1-1 draw with Arsenal prior to a 2-0 Champions League defeat against Red Star Belgrade.
Liverpool's most recent Premier League away game came at the Emirates Stadium, meanwhile, when they played out a 1-1 draw with Arsenal prior to a 2-0 Champions League defeat against Red Star Belgrade.
2.44pmLiverpool have not conceded more than one goal in a game since their 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion in April, shipping only six in total from the 15 Premier League matches since then.
Uncharacteristically, it is actually in attack that Liverpool need to start improving, with only Spurs having scored fewer in the top five and Manchester City already 13 goals better off than them. In such a close title race, goal difference could ultimately prove to be important - although we are a long way away from having to worry about that.
Uncharacteristically, it is actually in attack that Liverpool need to start improving, with only Spurs having scored fewer in the top five and Manchester City already 13 goals better off than them. In such a close title race, goal difference could ultimately prove to be important - although we are a long way away from having to worry about that.
2.42pmWhereas last season they relied heavily on their front three, this term it has been the defence which has acted as the bedrock of their good form - bolstered hugely this year by Van Dijk and Alisson.
Indeed, Liverpool's tally of just five goals conceded is not only the joint-best in the league this season, but also the joint-best tally at this stage of a top-flight campaign in the club's illustrious history.
Indeed, Liverpool's tally of just five goals conceded is not only the joint-best in the league this season, but also the joint-best tally at this stage of a top-flight campaign in the club's illustrious history.
2.40pmThe challenge, of course, is to maintain that level throughout the entire campaign - particularly as Man City do not show many signs of slipping up - and a victory today would see Liverpool go 13 games without defeat at the start of a Premier League season for the first time since 2007-08.
On that occasion six of their opening 13 games ended in draws, though, whereas Klopp's side have dropped just six points in total this season - all against other teams in the top five too. Liverpool have a 100% record against teams outside the top five this term.
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On that occasion six of their opening 13 games ended in draws, though, whereas Klopp's side have dropped just six points in total this season - all against other teams in the top five too. Liverpool have a 100% record against teams outside the top five this term.
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2.38pmTwo points separate Liverpool from Man City as things stand, while Chelsea are a further two points behind that to complete the unbeaten trio, which is quite remarkable after 12 games of a Premier League season.
There may be some frustration for Liverpool considering that this is the joint best-ever start they have made to a Premier League season - alongside the 2002-03 campaign - yet still they do not sit top of the table.
There may be some frustration for Liverpool considering that this is the joint best-ever start they have made to a Premier League season - alongside the 2002-03 campaign - yet still they do not sit top of the table.
2.36pmLiverpool will not be expecting an easy ride of things today, though, and Watford's form at times this season suggests that they are capable of pulling off a surprise and ending Liverpool's unbeaten start.
The Reds go into the game as favourites regardless, and could even climb to the top of the table this afternoon should results elsewhere - namely in the West Ham vs. Man City game - go their way.
The Reds go into the game as favourites regardless, and could even climb to the top of the table this afternoon should results elsewhere - namely in the West Ham vs. Man City game - go their way.
2.34pmToday's match is the first home game for Watford in almost a month, and they have won five of their last seven Premier League outings in front of their own fans - including that 3-0 triumph over Huddersfield most recently.
However, it was only last month that Bournemouth ran out 4-0 winners here, and including today the next two visitors are Liverpool and Manchester City. Incidentally, Watford have lost 15 of their 17 Premier League games against teams beginning the day in the top two, with their only victories coming against Chelsea in September 1999 and Arsenal in January 2017.
However, it was only last month that Bournemouth ran out 4-0 winners here, and including today the next two visitors are Liverpool and Manchester City. Incidentally, Watford have lost 15 of their 17 Premier League games against teams beginning the day in the top two, with their only victories coming against Chelsea in September 1999 and Arsenal in January 2017.
2.32pmWatford could move to within one point of the top four this afternoon and currently sit as far from the relegation zone as they are from leaders Manchester City, but they come into this match off the back of a couple of disappointing results before the international break.
The Hornets took only one point from two games against struggling duo Newcastle and Southampton, losing against the Magpies 1-0 before drawing 1-1 at St Mary's following back-to-back wins over Wolves and Huddersfield before that.
The Hornets took only one point from two games against struggling duo Newcastle and Southampton, losing against the Magpies 1-0 before drawing 1-1 at St Mary's following back-to-back wins over Wolves and Huddersfield before that.
2.30pmThe board are clearly not expecting a similar downturn in results, though, and they have seemingly changed their cut-throat ways by offering Javi Gracia a contract extension - the first Watford boss to have one since Malky Mackay in 2011.
The deal is not yet signed, but it will be next week and a 30th win from his 47th game in charge would be the perfect way to celebrate the impending extension.
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The deal is not yet signed, but it will be next week and a 30th win from his 47th game in charge would be the perfect way to celebrate the impending extension.
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2.28pmThe Hornets were only one place and two points worse off at the same stage of last season, but it was after gameweek 13 that things began rapidly going downhill, resulting in the sacking of Marco Silva and appointment of Javi Gracia.
Watford went through a spell of just one win in 12 Premier League games, taking them from European challengers to worrying about a relegation scrap, and Gracia will heed warning from his predecessor's fate ahead of a busy December schedule.
Watford went through a spell of just one win in 12 Premier League games, taking them from European challengers to worrying about a relegation scrap, and Gracia will heed warning from his predecessor's fate ahead of a busy December schedule.
2.26pmIndeed, Watford's 20-point tally is the most they have ever achieved after 12 games of a top-flight campaign, and a victory today would continue that record after 13 games too.
At the moment Watford's record tally after 13 matches is 21 points, which they achieved in 1982 and again last season, although Javi Gracia will be cautious considering what happened around this stage of the 2017-18 campaign.
At the moment Watford's record tally after 13 matches is 21 points, which they achieved in 1982 and again last season, although Javi Gracia will be cautious considering what happened around this stage of the 2017-18 campaign.
2.24pmWatford had actually been keeping pace with Liverpool at the start of the season and delivered a statement of intent by beating Spurs in September, but it was after that result that things began to go downhill a little.
Even so, it has still been a very good start to the campaign from the Hornets and the fact that they are already halfway to the 40-point mark will be a big comfort for fans beginning to worry a little about their recent dip in form.
Even so, it has still been a very good start to the campaign from the Hornets and the fact that they are already halfway to the 40-point mark will be a big comfort for fans beginning to worry a little about their recent dip in form.
2.22pmWatford have certainly shown enough this season to suggest that they can come away with a positive result today, although Javi Gracia will be wary of allowing his side's positive start to wane too much.
The results have certainly begun to tail off in recent weeks, with Watford beginning the season by winning their opening five games across all competitions, but winning just two of their nine since - including five defeats.
The results have certainly begun to tail off in recent weeks, with Watford beginning the season by winning their opening five games across all competitions, but winning just two of their nine since - including five defeats.
2.20pmArguably Watford's star of the season so far has been Roberto Pereyra, though, and Liverpool will need to keep a close eye on the winger today in order to prevent him from adding to his five-goal haul.
Former Everton attacker Gerard Deulofeu is also likely to ask a few questions of the Liverpool defence, and the contrasting styles of those two and Deeney could pose a tricky test for the visitors today.
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Former Everton attacker Gerard Deulofeu is also likely to ask a few questions of the Liverpool defence, and the contrasting styles of those two and Deeney could pose a tricky test for the visitors today.
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2.18pmJanmaat, Cleverley and Prodl remain out for the hosts today, but there is a special occasion for Craig Cathcart, who makes his 100th Premier League appearance today.
He and Mariappa are likely to be tested today by that Liverpool attack, but they have been good so far this season and also provide a threat at the other end of the pitch from set pieces - an avenue Watford may look to exploit today.
He and Mariappa are likely to be tested today by that Liverpool attack, but they have been good so far this season and also provide a threat at the other end of the pitch from set pieces - an avenue Watford may look to exploit today.
2.16pmCapoue is back available after serving a suspension, whereas Deeney is now fully fit once again and makes his first start since October 6 - despite admitting that he hates facing Van Dijk during a TV punditry gig earlier this season.
There is more good news on the injury front when it comes to Will Hughes too, as he has overcome the knock he picked up against Southampton last time out to start once again.
There is more good news on the injury front when it comes to Will Hughes too, as he has overcome the knock he picked up against Southampton last time out to start once again.
2.14pmWatford are also forced into a defensive change due to a late injury, with Jose Holebas having picked up a calf problem which means that he is replaced by Masina in the starting lineup today.
That is one of three changes made by Javi Gracia, with Etienne Capoue and Troy Deeney also coming into the side as Chalobah and Success drop out.
That is one of three changes made by Javi Gracia, with Etienne Capoue and Troy Deeney also coming into the side as Chalobah and Success drop out.
2.12pmIt is in defence where Liverpool have been the most impressive this season, though, and they are forced into a change at the back today after Joe Gomez picked up a knock to his ankle in training.
It is not thought to be a serious problem, but it is enough to keep him out of this game as Dejan Lovren comes in to partner Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence. Robertson and Alexander-Arnold provide the width.
It is not thought to be a serious problem, but it is enough to keep him out of this game as Dejan Lovren comes in to partner Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the defence. Robertson and Alexander-Arnold provide the width.
2.10pmWatford certainly won't be looking forward to coming up against Salah again after he scored four times in the most recent meeting between the two sides, and he has now been directly involved in six goals from just two Premier League games against Watford - only Luis Suarez against Cardiff has a better goal involvement per game ratio against an opponent in the competition's history.
Firmino also has a fine record against the Hornets, being directly involved in seven goals from his last five Premier League games against Watford - scoring four times and creating another three.
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Firmino also has a fine record against the Hornets, being directly involved in seven goals from his last five Premier League games against Watford - scoring four times and creating another three.
© Reuters
2.08pmCaptain Jordan Henderson returns to the side after overcoming the hamstring issue which hampered him during the international break, and he will sit alongside Wijnaldum in that deeper-lying two as the likes of Milner, Fabinho and Keita all have to make do with a place on the bench.
In front of them, it is likely to be Firmino who operates in the number 10 role with Salah likely to be the main man through the middle, with Shaqiri and Mane - the latter of whom has just signed a new contract at the club - providing the width.
In front of them, it is likely to be Firmino who operates in the number 10 role with Salah likely to be the main man through the middle, with Shaqiri and Mane - the latter of whom has just signed a new contract at the club - providing the width.
2.06pmWhat can we make of those two sides, then?
Well, we'll start with the visitors and interestingly Jurgen Klopp has stuck with the 4-2-3-1 formation which has yielded Liverpool's best football so far this season, rather than the usual 4-3-3 system.
Klopp has hitherto tended to only go for this formation in home games, but he is willing to take the risk today which means that there is a place for Xherdan Shaqiri in the starting lineup once again after he scored last time out.
Well, we'll start with the visitors and interestingly Jurgen Klopp has stuck with the 4-2-3-1 formation which has yielded Liverpool's best football so far this season, rather than the usual 4-3-3 system.
Klopp has hitherto tended to only go for this formation in home games, but he is willing to take the risk today which means that there is a place for Xherdan Shaqiri in the starting lineup once again after he scored last time out.
2.04pmLIVERPOOL SUBS: Mignolet, Clyne, Fabinho, Milner, Keita, Sturridge, Matip
2.04pmLIVERPOOL STARTING XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Wijnaldum, Shaqiri, Mane, Salah; Firmino
2.02pmWATFORD SUBS: Gomes, Kabasele, Navarro, Chalobah, Quina, Gray, Success
2.02pmWATFORD STARTING XI: Foster; Femenia, Cathcart, Mariappa, Masina; Hughes, Doucoure, Capoue, Pereyra; Deulofeu, Deeney
2pmGood afternoon! Thank you very much for joining Sports Mole for today's Premier League clash between Watford and Liverpool at Vicarage Road!
These two sides have both impressed so far in 2018-19 and sit firmly in the top half of the table, but Watford's form has slipped a little in recent weeks so it should be an intriguing contest today. Last season provided goals galore in these fixtures, so hopefully we're in for more of the same here!
Let's start with a look at the team news...
These two sides have both impressed so far in 2018-19 and sit firmly in the top half of the table, but Watford's form has slipped a little in recent weeks so it should be an intriguing contest today. Last season provided goals galore in these fixtures, so hopefully we're in for more of the same here!
Let's start with a look at the team news...
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Liverpool
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Watford
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