Topic: Watford FC v Liverpool FC, Premier League, Saturday 29th February 17.30 KO

[JackWard33]

Lovren not Matip - surprising.

Yeah there isn’t a footballing reason for that must, be fitness for Matip post injury

[duvva 💅]

As you would think with Keita. (to play midweek)

Our position gives us that advantage to rest some we'd otherwise push to play.

Milner just the odd man out?

Milner’s injured still

[Magix]

Hope Keita and Gomez's issues are minor enough for them to be considered for Chelsea.

[So… Howard Philips]

Lovren sort of game though isn't it, he'll love having a battle in the trenches with Deeney. Joel prob a bit 'ball playing centre back' for this lot, and has been pretty dreadful since coming back from injury, didn't look right at all against Shrewsbury

Matip didn't play well against Shrewsbury, none of the returning players did, but how many other games has he played in to be 'dreadful'?

[duvva 💅]

Yeah there isn’t a footballing reasons for that must be fitness - Matip can’t be fully fit post injury

Lovren was on the bench ahead of him recently as well as I wondered that day the reason why. I’m not sure about the fitness shout as I’m sure Matip was back in training before Lovren

[lgvkarlos]

Lovren one of the few players not to score this season. Lovren header from a corner or set piece today.

Just needs to concentrate on defending, he worries me.

[an tha]

Milner’s injured still

Was supposedly just a 'precaution' when he was out Monday.

Interestingly same language has been used for Gomez today.

[duvva 💅]

Well if we don’t get to 19 wins in a row some have already got their excuse with Lovren starting

[Rheinbacher]

I think Lovren has got the nod ahead of Matip because they'll think he'll do better in the physical battle with Troy Deeney.

I'm glad the Ox is in for Keita as we improves alot when he came on the last night.Worrying Keita is injured again though,don't think he's cut out for the premier league.

[Bostik Triangle]

Matip didn't play well against Shrewsbury, none of the returning players did, but how many other games has he played in to be 'dreadful'?

He was dreadful against Shrewsbury. Worst player on the pitch. That's enough to say he's been dreadful since returning from injury, in the absence of contrary information. I like Joel, but not when he's 'not right', seems to get inside his head.

I'm happy with Lovren in. Makes perfect sense. Just his sort of game.

I know people hate Lovren but that's their issue, not mine.

 

[Bend It Like Aurelio]

Yeah there isn’t a footballing reason for that must, be fitness for Matip post injury

I think Klopp wants Matip and not Lovren running the defence against Chelsea. The last time Lovren captained the side it did not go so well. But Lovren usually does better paired up with Van Dijk, like most would.

[JackWard33]

Lovren was on the bench ahead of him recently as well as I wondered that day the reason why. I’m not sure about the fitness shout as I’m sure Matip was back in training before Lovren

He looked horrendous in the FA cup game though (Matip) like a different player so a decent chance he’s still struggling fitness wise
If both are fully fit Matip does everything better than Lovren so fitness seems most likely

[johnj147]

Keita out injured again.

made of glass this guy it seems 

[Agent99]

Just needs to concentrate on defending, he worries me.

[xbugawugax]

Well if we don’t get to 19 wins in a row some have already got their excuse with Lovren starting

klopp just doesn't want to risk both lovren and keita in the same squad.

rawk would burn down if we were to lose

[Cu Chulainn]

Lovren one of the few players not to score this season. Lovren header from a corner or set piece today.

Scored against Napoli. Be cool if he does score again though, got a big soft spot for Lovren.

[lgvkarlos]

Scored against Napoli. Be cool if he does score again though, got a big soft spot for Lovren.

Really is one of the best characters in our squad but I don't think he compliments trent

[Bostik Triangle]

Was supposedly just a 'precaution' when he was out Monday.

Interestingly same language has been used for Gomez today.

Yeah, I don't buy this 'precaution' line, who are they trying to kid?

I think we're just being careful.

[King Kenny 7]

Expecting a tough game this evening, think the weather wont help and looking to avoid any players getting injured.

Pretty sure Pearson will have Deeney and Hughes pumped up for this and thinking back to the game at Anfield hope we can keep a tight rein on Sadio's young friend Sarr.


Three points please and all safely home. 

[1892tillforever]

Lovren is a solid defender, and he has VVD beside him, he'll do fine like he does most of the time. I believe we'll produce a good display today. Fourth game back and we looked a little better in attack towards the end on Monday. Wouldn't shock me if we hit 4 today though I fully understand why anyone would anticipate a grind, however

A win makes more history, make it so!

[KissThisGuy]

Yeah, I don't buy this 'precaution' line, who are they trying to kid?

I think we're just being careful.

[Magix]

Tough game, though they've been shite (again) Watford's 11 has pace and power and height, and we've been less than fluent since the winter break. But this edge does us good - or at least it can be repurposed to that effect - and help us refocus.

[Dave D]

Scored against Napoli. Be cool if he does score again though, got a big soft spot for Lovren.

Ah yes I should have said league. It’s only him and big Joe left to score I think. Nailed on to score today.

Easy win boys.

[Vote For Pedro]

No point risking players with two big cup games on the horizon. Just shows how often players are dealing with knocks on a consistent basis. Come on Redmen, time to break another record!!

[Bostik Triangle]

 

[smutchin]

No point risking players with two big cup games on the horizon.

Especially not when we have other players who are fit.

Other clubs might need to rush their top players back before they're ready but we've got such strength throughout our squad that we no longer need to do that. There's a danger of reading far too much into certain players not being picked.

This starting XI backed up with who's on the bench looks more than good enough to beat Watford.

[OkieRedman]

We definitely lose pace replacing Gomez with Lovren. That is my main concern.

Come you Red Men! Chance to make history!

[Mighty_Red]

Shame Gomez is not fit, hopefully it is not too serious.  Thought Matip would play, but I guess Lovren will cover off any physicality that Watford display.

Let's stay focused and collect the 3 pts

COMON U REDMEN!!!

[smutchin]

Ah yes I should have said league. It’s only him and big Joe left to score I think. Nailed on to score today.

And Minamino, though he obviously hasn't had much of an opportunity yet (though he has scored more goals at Anfield than Firmino this season).

[Clint Eastwood]

Lovren sort of game though isn't it, he'll love having a battle in the trenches with Deeney. Joel prob a bit 'ball playing centre back' for this lot, and has been pretty dreadful since coming back from injury, didn't look right at all against Shrewsbury

Disagree with every post this guy does.

[PaulF]

I think Lovren has got the nod ahead of Matip because they'll think he'll do better in the physical battle with Troy Deeney.

I'm glad the Ox is in for Keita as we improves alot when he came on the last night.Worrying Keita is injured again though,don't think he's cut out for the premier league.

Yet this Liverpool team has been lucky with injuries....

[Perham]

Gonna miss the first half but fingers crossed for another win. We're so close now...

[Hazell]

Disagree with every post this guy does.

[Red Beret]

It's frustrating how we passed up on Fekir but Keita struggles so much.  Was it international duty that crocked him?

In any case hoping for the win, and that Gomez comes back okay. 

[El Lobo]

Disagree with every post this guy does.

He’s managed to finally post something half coherent, let’s not be cruel. He can be trained.

[Yosser0_0]

Very surprised Lovren has been picked before Matip. Hope he doesn't have a brain fart.

[Agent99]

Very surprised Lovren has been picked before Matip. Hope he doesn't have a brain fart.

Name his last one?

[lgvkarlos]

Very surprised Lovren has been picked before Matip. Hope he doesn't have a brain fart.

let's be perfectly honest, there isn't a better suited right sided CB in world football than gomez.

[artanis]

Am I the only one who is completely chill with Lovren???

[xbugawugax]

hoever on the bench. maybe in terms of versatility he trumps neco.

neco could only play RB while hoever could deputize in CB as well.

as usual, hope our fullbacks have a good game. since our attacks are primarily based on their performance.