Watford v Liverpool: Hornets home comforts should worry Reds
Published:
Liverpool’s bid for a top-four Premier League finish continues at Vicarage Road on Monday night, but despite the odds pegging them as firm favourites for victory, they have much to fear from a Watford side with a superb home record.
The Hornets have lost just one of their last eight games at Vicarage Road, winning five of those encounters – including each of the past three, keeping a trio of clean sheets in the process.
And having already taken the scalps of Manchester United, Arsenal and Everton this season, they love the big occasion.
Liverpool also love a victory against their fellow Prem heavyweights, but this is exactly the kind of game they fall down in. Of their nine defeats this term, none have come against any club placed above Southampton (ninth).
Oh, and the Reds lost 3-0 here last season…
That means the 11/2 for a Watford win could prove an inspired bet, with a Liverpool victory 8/15 and the draw priced up at 16/5.
However, if you want a safer selection on the Hertfordshire club taking something from the game, the Double Chance: Watford or Draw looks a smart selection at 31/20.
One thing you can expect is goals – at both ends. Walter Mazzarri’s men have scored in 10 of their last 11 games at home, while Liverpool have netted in nine of 11 on their travels. So the 4/5 on offer for Both Teams to Score looks like something of a banker.
And there’s a name in each squads catching our eye in the goalscorer markets.
Hornets hitman Troy Deeney may be patchy on the road, but he’s ruthless at Vicarage Road. The 28-year-old has found the net in four of Watford’s last six home games. He’s 11/4 to register anytime against the Reds, while 8/1 says he opens the scoring for the fourth time in 2017.
As for Liverpool, we’re tipping Philippe Coutinho to find the net. With goals in four of his last five games, he’s appealingly priced at even-money to score against the leakiest defence in the top half of the Prem.
Having a bet on this crucial Prem tie? Check out our superb Headline Boosts, available from 08:00 Monday 1 May.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
