Watford v Liverpool. Claudio Ranieri's first game in charge of Watford is against Liverpool. How's your luck? I fear Claudio will have his work cut out over the next eight fixtures - Toffees (a), Soton (h), Arsenal (a), Man U (h), Foxes (a), Chelsea (h), Citeh (h) - are to follow. A bit of a baptism of fire, that is for sure. Surely, Xisco wouldn't have got much out of that run, and that, plus the dodgy performances beforehand were enough for him to go on his merry way. The new Capo and Premier League winner has Nicolas Nkoulou to call on in defence, but Sierralta and King may still be out. I think Kabasele sure is. The Tinkerman has also called for the Hornets to learn quickly, "I'm looking at the future and it's not important what I did, it's important what I want to do," he said. "My football, everybody knows me from Chelsea or Leicester, I want a team who tries to score goals. We have very good players up front, very fast, I want to close the space and help the defensive line." That might well be needed against a resurgant Liverpool this season, but they are expected to be without, Jota, Fabhino, Alisson, TAA, Alcantara and Jones for their trip down south. Incidently, Watford's last game against the scoucers was with and ex Leicester mananger and we smashed them 3-0, but still went down that season. TEAM NEWS TO FOLLOW: If anyone can guess CR's line up, I'd be mighty impressed. ENJOY THE GAME.
Hi Sucky here. We should have young kelleher in goal. No Allison or Fabinho. Or Elliot whos out for the season. Trent & Thiago & jota, might not be fit in time. I reckon... Kelleher Trent/milner, matip, vvd, robbo Hendo Milner/kieta, Jones Firmino/jota Salah. Mane Obviously we are favourites but new manager bounce and that Kbye
Will the new guy play ? Suggested earlier in the week he might need time to build fitness but then you’d hope he would have kept fit even when without a club .
From the WO - read into that what you will. The Cameroon defender is currently the only centre back training with Ranieri, with Francisco Sierralta and Christian Kabasele both injured and William Troost-Ekong and Craig Cathcart away on international duty.
I'm not too sure about the new manager bounce - can't recollect it ever working for us. Personally, I'm going to invoke the spirits of 2015 and 2020 - and hope for another 3-0 victory.
Ekong back in training today!! Joshua King has returned to training today and will be assessed ahead of Liverpool.
Does anyone believe in two year cycles 2015-2016 season we score three goals against Liverpool at home 2017-2018 season we score three goals against Liverpool at home 2019-2020 season we score three goals against Liverpool at home 2021-2022 season to be announced
I would accept a draw against LiVARpool IF we followed that up with an away win against EVARton We cannot afford to lose to both of them