The first game this Sunday is a mouth-watering game between Watford and Liverpool at Vicarage Road.

Both teams have a sense of positivity around them in recent weeks, although Watford are one point above Liverpool in the league. The Hornets are on a three game winning streak, aided by Odion Ighalo the top scoring striker in the whole of English Football in this calendar year. Meanwhile Liverpool looked toothless against Newcastle Utd and looked defensively fragile in the 2-2 draw with West Brom. Watford on the other hand are only four points off a Champions League place.

Liverpool will be without James Milner, Dejan Lovren and perennially injured Daniel Sturridge, although will be grateful to have Jordan Henderson and Philippe Coutinho back in contention. The inclusion of Coutinho is particularly welcomed, as Liverpool have averaged almost a goal a game less when his not played.  Although the appointment of Jurgen Klopp is still very much in its honeymoon phase, Klopp’s record is identical to Brendan Rogers, having gained 12 points in 8 league games. A defeat here could add more pressure into the Christmas flurry of games for the highly regarded German manager.

Despite the firepower from Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney, Watford have only scored six times at home this season. Watford have tended to do most of their best work away from home, with victories away to Stoke, Newcastle, Sunderland and Aston Villa already this season. Having said that, Watford are a side which create chances at will and can count themselves unlucky to have not gathered a few more points. 29 goal scoring chances have been created between the lethal duo this season, which is the highest in the league.

Watford will be gunning for their first victory over Liverpool since John Barnes was playing for Watford in 1986. I think they have a good chance, and the Watford win is best priced with Betfred at 3/1. Odion Ighalo for first goalscorer at 7/1 with Bet365 is brilliant value for a striker in a hot streak of form with home crowd backing. Also a bet on Watford to win and both teams to score at 11/2 with Betfred looks a good way to play things.

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