Watford host Liverpool on Saturday at Vicarage Road (Watch live, 7:30 a.m. ET on NBCSN and online via NBCSports.com) with the Hornets hoping to cause an upset.
[ STREAM LIVE: Watford vs. Liverpool ]
The saga surrounding Philippe Coutinho’s Liverpool future has marred the lead up to this game with the Brazilian playmaker handing in a transfer request as Barcelona push to sign him. Despite Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool’s owners stating that he’s not for sale, Coutinho wants to go. Who can blame him when Barca comes calling?
Heading into this season Liverpool will again try and push for the title, while Watford will be aiming for a top 10 finish under new manager Marco Silva.
In team news Watford start with Okaka up top and have new signings Andre Gray and Richarlison on the bench.
Liverpool are without Coutinho, Daniel Sturbridge and Adam Lallana through injury, while new signing Mohamed Salah gets the start out wide.
LINEUPS
Watford: Gomes; Janmaat, Kaboul, Britos, Holebas; Chalobah, Doucoure; Amrabat, Cleverley, Pereyra; Okaka. Subs: Pantilimon, Prodl, Femenia, Watson, Capoue, Richarlison, Gray
Liverpool: Mignolet; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Matic, Moreno; Henderson, Can, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane. Subs: Karius, Klavan, Gomez, Milner, Grujic, Solanke, Origi