Match Pack: Liverpool v Watford

• Liverpool v Watford
• Anfield
• Premier League
• Saturday April 2, 12.30pm BST
• Yellow home kit, green goalkeeper kit

• Referee: Stuart Attwell
• Assistants: Marc Perry, Timothy Wood
• Fourth official: Tony Harrington
• VAR: John Brooks
• Assistant VAR: Simon Bennett

Liverpool have bridged the points gap between themselves and Manchester City in the Premier League to mount a serious title challenge in 2021/22.

The Reds have lost just once in the top-flight since their October meeting with Watford, and could go top with a win over the Hornets in the early kick-off. To add to their impressive showing in the league, Jürgen Klopp's side won the Carabao Cup last month and are in the final eight and four of the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup respectively.

• The Hornets have won eight points from their six Premier League away games under manager Roy Hodgson (W2 D2 L2), as many as they had from their previous 17 on the road in the competition (W2 D2 L13).

• Liverpool have won 12 of their 13 home league games against Watford, with the exception being a 1-0 loss in August 1999 - that is their only loss in 16 home games against the Golden Boys in all competitions.

• The Reds are unbeaten in their last 18 league games at Anfield (W14 D4) since a 1-0 loss to Fulham in March 2021.

Watford manager Roy Hodgson has an almost fully-fit squad to pick from ahead of the Anfield trip.

Defender Nicolas Nkoulou is available for the clash, with the 32-year-old back in full training after completing his recovery from a long-term hamstring injury.

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in full training ahead of Saturday's match, with a possibility of making the team. Midfielder Naby Keita is a doubt however.

Roy Hodgson, Watford manager:

“I think the competition for places has become hotter. I was happy with Cathcart, I was happy with Cleverley, and Dennis, Sarr and King, but the other players that have come in have made me think.

“That’s good going forward. We need to keep these players fit, keep the competition going, but most important of all this club needs spirit.

“Every time you play a team like Liverpool away from home you know the odds are stacked against you. There’s no secret to how good they are or why they’re good, the quality of their players and the quality of their work. All we can do is hope that we’re able to produce a performance on the day that will give us a result.”

Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool Head Coach:

“If we viewed this [as an easy game] we wouldn't have that many points. Man City are the same. The good thing is my team never care about their league position. They listen to me. I am honest in meetings and don't make a team sound stronger or weaker than they are.

“We have to surprise Watford with intensity - it is not an easy weekend for City or us.”

Overall:

• Won: 6
  
• Drawn: 4
  
• Lost: 25
  

Last Six:

October 2021: Watford 0-5 Liverpool (Premier League)
February 2020: Watford 3-0 Liverpool (Premier League)
December 2019: Liverpool 2-0 Watford (Premier League)
February 2019: Liverpool 5-0 Watford (Premier League)
November 2018: Watford 0-3 Liverpool (Premier League)
March 2018: Liverpool 5-0 Watford (Premier League)

Tommy Mooney was the hero for Watford at Anfield, netting the only goal in the Hornets' victory over Liverpool in 1999.