Watford v Liverpool Betting: Reds must guard against repeat defensive blackout

With their top four rivals all dropping points over the weekend, Liverpool will be hoping to take full advantage when they travel to Vicarage Road to take on Watford on Monday.
 
Draws for both Manchester clubs have left Jurgen Klopp’s men in third place, and they are available at 8/15 (1.53) with Betfair Sportsbook to stay on track for Champions League qualification by coming out on top here.
 
However, the Hornets have won each of their last three matches on home turf, and are priced at 6/1 (7.00) to make it four in a row by upsetting their high profile opponents here.

 
None of the last 16 meetings between these sides have resulted in draws, but you can get odds of 7/2 (4.50) on them cancelling each other out on this occasion.
 
The last time these teams met at Anfield back in November, the Reds ran out emphatic 6-1 winners as they extended an unbeaten streak that eventually reached 11 matches and had many tipping them for the title.
 
However, a downturn in fortunes after the turn of the year now sees them looking anxiously over their shoulders as they attempt to finish the season in the top four, with last week’s 2-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace neatly summing up the weaknesses that have held them back. Goal
 
Slack defending allowed former striker Christian Benteke to strike twice and overturn Philippe Coutinho’s beautifully-executed free-kick, with the second courtesy of the typically poor marking at a corner.

Any similar lapses in concentration are likely to be punished by Walter Mazzarri’s physical Watford team, which has failed to score just twice in 19 home games this season.

With this in mind, odds of 17/20 (1.85) seem generous on both teams finding the net for Liverpool’s ninth game in 10.