Watford vs Liverpool. Premier League.
Vicarage RoadAttendance20,959.
Monday 1 May 2017 19:01, UK
Adam Lallana has a chance of being fit for Liverpool's Monday Night Football clash away to Watford, live on Sky Sports 1 HD from 7pm.
Lallana returned to first-team training for the first time since his groin injury a month ago and is in contention to feature for Jurgen Klopp's side.
The Reds have a chance to strengthen their top-four position after Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal all dropped points on Sunday.
With four matches remaining, Dejan Lovren, who signed a new long-term contract at the club, is confident they can achieve their aim of securing Champions League football.
"I would be stupid if I was to say we don't believe in this," he stated.
"We started the season so strong and we believed from day one in pre-season - and we are still believing.
"Unfortunately, we had some injuries and we were unlucky in those moments, but we still have a big squad with young talents.
"We will definitely fight in the last four games to take all 12 points.
"I always believe. I believe in the team and I believe in every single person who believes in us. This is the most important thing.
"I think we would deserve it at the end because of how well we've done for all of the season."
Team news
Watford defender Craig Cathcart is a doubt because of a knee problem.
Swiss midfielder Valon Behrami, who has just returned to the squad after a spell out with a hamstring injury, will also be monitored.
Younes Kaboul (hamstring), Roberto Pereyra (knee) and forward Mauro Zarate (anterior cruciate ligament) all remain sidelined.
Striker Daniel Sturridge is also involved with the first team again after missing Sunday's defeat to Crystal Palace with a sore hip.
Captain Jordan Henderson (foot) is still not fit to return while Sadio Mane, Ragnar Klavan and Danny Ings (all knee) are long-term absentees.
Opta stats
Watford have lost five of their last six games against Liverpool in the Premier League, winning the other, 3-0 in December 2015.
Liverpool have won 10 of their previous 12 meetings with the Hornets in all competitions, losing just twice.
Watford last won back-to-back home games (all comps) against Liverpool in May 1983, as Graham Taylor's side ran out 2-1 winners.
Roberto Firmino has had a hand in four goals in his last two Premier League matches against Watford (two goals, two assists), although both appearances came at Anfield.
This will be the 11th Premier League game that Watford have played on a Monday and of the previous 10, they have only once won (W1 D4 L5) - this came against Portsmouth in April 2007 (4-2 at Vicarage Road).
Troy Deeney has scored against 41 different opponents in all competitions during his Watford career, but he's never scored in his three previous appearances versus Liverpool for the Hornets.
Liverpool will be looking to win three successive Premier League away games under Jurgen Klopp for only the second time, with the previous occasion coming in October 2016.
Paul Merson's prediction
When Liverpool play the likes of Man City away, I fancy them to get a draw or even more. But when they face teams like Watford, I'm not so sure.
That's been the problem with them this season. They are playing Watford and I'm having to think about it.
Having said that, the Hornets are on their holidays. Hull had 10 men and beat them 2-0. If that doesn't say it all, nothing will.
PAUL PREDICTS: 0-3 (Sky Bet odds 10/1)
Betting
Liverpool are Sky Bet's 8/15 favourites for the victory with Watford priced at 5/1 while the draw is 16/5. Jurgen Klopp's men remain odds-on for a top-four finish despite last weekend's loss, while their hosts are 15/2 for a top-half finish. Roberto Firmino and Divock Origi share favouritism in the first goalscorer betting at 4/1 apiece while Troy Deeney is considered the Hornets' main threat at 8/1 to net first.
