Liverpool's revolution under Jürgen Klopp has taken a hit over the last couple of weeks, with a defeat away at Newcastle and a draw at home to West Brom forcing their more excitable supporters into a revision of their title charge predictions. Nevertheless, the Merseysiders will be looking to get back to winning ways away at newly-promoted Watford on Sunday.
The Hornets have adapted to Premier League life superbly under the management of former Atlético Madrid manager Quique Sánchez Flores, and heading into this match at Vicarage Road they actually sit a point and two places higher than Liverpool in the table. Though we can be sure of nothing in this strangest of strange Premier League seasons, Watford are currently on course to comfortably avoid being sucked into the battle at the bottom of the table. On the back of three straight wins, they're very high on confidence, and should make life very difficult for Liverpool.
Key player: Philippe Coutinho (Liverpool)
Philippe Coutinho's bright start to the season suggested he was ready to finally establish himself as one of the Premier League's top players. However, his form has dipped with Liverpool's over the last couple of weeks, and Klopp will be hoping for a better performance from his side's most potent attacking force away at Vicarage Road.
Key matchup: Odion Ighalo vs. Liverpool's defense
No one in English football has scored more goals in 2015 than Watford's Odion Ighalo, and it is perfectly clear by now that the big Nigerian striker is the real deal. His close control and deadly accuracy combines with a magnificent physique to bring him pretty close to the complete forward, and it wouldn't be surprising if he soon found himself plying his trade at a bigger club. In the meantime, Liverpool's defense will be fretting about keeping him quiet.
Watford injuries and suspensions
Out: Joel Ekstrand (knee); Tommie Hoban (groin). In doubt: Valon Behrami, Sebastian Prödl (calf).
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Jon Flanagan, Joe Gomez, Danny Ings, Dejan Lovren (knee); Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Rossiter (hamstring). In doubt: Mamadou Sakho (knee).
Watford will still be without long-term absentees Ekstrand and Hoban, though will hope Behrami and Prödl pass late fitness tests.
Liverpool's injury list is rather longer: both first-choice center backs Sakho and Lovren are doubtful and absent respectively, with the latter joining long-term absentees Flanagan, Gomez and Ings in the stands. This game will also come too soon for striker Sturridge, who continues to battle with a hamstring problem.
Match date/time: Sun., Dec. 20, 8:30 a.m. ET, 1:30 p.m. local
Venue: Vicarage Road, Watford, England
TV: NBCSN (US); Sportsnet World (Canada); Sky Sports 1/HD (UK)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US - English); NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra (US - Spanish); Sportsnet World Now (Canada); Sky Go (UK)
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