Dugout Discussion – Watford vs Liverpool

Saturday’s opening match has big boots to fill.

After Friday night’s opener provided seven goals, the onus is on Watford and Liverpool to entertain at Vicarage Road.

From a Fantasy perspective, the focus is on the visitors’ attack, with Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino strongly backed from Gameweek 1. That trio all boast over 20% ownership, benefitting no doubt from the late fall-out from Philippe Coutinho following the revelation of his transfer request.

The Brazilian misses out through “injury”, while, rather surprisingly, Jurgen Klopp elects to leave James Milner on the bench.

Touted as a potential target ahead of the season kick-off having been classified as a defender, Milner has claimed a 7.5% ownership who will be bitterly disappointed to see their man omitted. Given the absence of Coutinho and Adam Lallana, it is a shock to see him missing from the Liverpool midfield.

Meanwhile, the Reds line-up with two 4.5 options at full-back as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alberto Moreno earn starts. Their progress will be tracked with interest, with Moreno potentially a real option from this point on.

For Watford, their most popular Fantasy asset Etienne Capoue (7.9%) is another left on the timber following speculation of a falling out with head coach Marco Silva.