Watford play host to Liverpool in the first of two Sunday showdowns. The Hornets approach this match-up in fine form, having recorded three successive victories. The Reds, in contrast, go in search of their first win in three following a draw against West Bromich Albion and defeat to Newcastle United.
Watford took a while to find their attacking groove in the top tier – posting three blanks in the first four Gameweeks – but are now firing on all cylinders. Over the past four rounds of fixtures, Quique Sanchez Flores’ men ranked joint-second for shots on target (25) and joint-third for big chances (nine). They’ve complemented their attacking verve with defensive resolve, too, conceding the sixth-fewest big chances (five) and shots inside the box (27) across that stretch.
Notwithstanding a blank at St James’ Park, Liverpool’s attack came up trumps over the last four Gameweeks, placing joint-fourth for goals (seven), third for attempts (62), joint-third for big chances (nine) and second for key passes (51). Although they conceded five goals in those four league clashes, the Merseysiders ranked bottom for shots inside the box conceded (16) and second-bottom for big chances conceded (three), which bodes well for their trip to Vicarage Road.
