WATFORD VS LIVERPOOL PREVIEW

skyports reports..

A 6-3 defeat at Anfield followed on from their FA Cup third round elimination to the same side and those on Merseyside that remain sceptical about the Spaniard have been given plenty of fuel for their argument in the past week.

However, prior to their cup crisis and Liverpool had been making improvements from early season inconsistencies and their manager will demand a maximum haul at Vicarage Road, well aware that Adrian Boothroyd's charges have picked up just three points from the last 27.

Defeat at Anfield came at a further cost as Luis Garcia suffered a serious knee injury that sees him sidelined for the next six months, whilst his possible replacement, Mark Gonzalez, also picked up a knock that will rule him out for three weeks.

Wholesale changes will be made to the young Liverpool side that failed to show its true credentials in midweek, with the likes of Xabi Alonso, Jamie Carragher, Jose Reina, John Arne Riise and Daniel Agger all likely to be recalled.

Peter Crouch will also be vying for a recall, competing with Craig Bellamy, Dirk Kuyt and Robbie Fowler for a place from the start.

Boothroyd has been busy in the January transfer window, with Lee Williamson and the exciting Will Hoskins (both signed from Rotherham) likely to feature at some stage to make Premiership bows - most probably from the bench.

Watford are further boosted by the return of captain Gavin Mahon after his recovery from a knock, while Tamas Priskin is also available after suspension.

The top flight strugglers are, though, unlikely to be able to call on Danny Shittu, a doubt with an ankle injury, as he joins more long-term casualties Hameur Bouazza (shoulder), Clarke Carlisle (thigh), James Chambers (leg) and Marlon King (knee) in a congested treatment room.

With Watford ten points adrift of Premiership safety Boothroyd will be drumming home the fact that points are needed quickly and for Liverpool, it is a case of a fast recovery required on the weekend after the night before.

louis'comments..

Back to the league, we can all forget all the painful experiences of the last 2 games. It's over and it's really important that the team move on from here. Whether did they move on, you just judge on their performance tomorrow.

Against Watford. Away from home and it's a slight worry for me. Although away form has improved, still, Liverpool can be fragile especially against a highly competitive team like Watford. Teams like Watford, when they are at home, they will give in their all in front of the home fans. They play every match as though it's their last. Nevertheless, by Liverpool's standards, it shouldn't be a problem for us to break down our opposition.

We should never be complacent and 3 points is a must. The league is long and we have to keep going and be consistent in our results. I think could remember those Roy Evans days, whereby we were so inconsistent and conceeding silly goals. Watford will be a challenging one, but I believe we could overcome it and take the 3 points.

you'll never walk alone..

cheers.