Watford vs Liverpool - as it happened! Miguel Britos denies Reds perfect start to new season
Relive the action at Vicarage Road minute-by-minute
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool will be looking to jump feet first into this season to let their fans know they’re ready for the Champions League. This season is their first in Europe’s top flight since that disappointing stint in 2014 which saw them exit at the group stages.
With Philippe Coutinho’s future in doubt, Jurgen Klopp will be no doubt eager to see how the rest of his squad are performing potentially without their playmaker.
Watford will be operating at a different end of the table to Liverpool this season. While Liverpool will be competing to retain their place in Champions League football, Watford will be looking to avoid the sort of late decline that saw them drop towards the relegation zone last season.
Follow the live action below...
Please allow a moment for the blog to load...
What time does it start and where can I watch it?
Liverpool vs Watford kicks off at 12:30 on Saturday 12 August and coverage begins on Sky Sports Main Event from 11:30. Highlights will be shown on BBC One’s Match of the Day from 22:30 later on Saturday.
It’s a big game for…
New Watford manager Marco Silva. This will be his first Premier League game in charge for Watford and after the Hornets' disappointing end to last season, which saw the club go through the entirety of May without picking up a point, he’ll be hoping to make a solid start to put those nerves to rest.
Best stat…
3- The amount of points Watford took from their last 8 Premier League games
Remember when…
Emre Can scored that impossible bicycle kick against Watford last season? Check it out below
Player to watch…
Mohammed Salah. Ex Roma and Ex Chelsea player Mohammed Salah has been Liverpool’s headline signing this summer. Salah was involved with 26 goals in 29 games in Serie A last year, and with Coutinho’s future looking increasingly in doubt, Liverpool fans could be looking to him for their goals.
Past three-meetings…
Liverpool 1 (Can) Watford 0, Premier League, May 2017
Liverpool 6 (Mane, Coutinho, Can, Firminho, Mane, Wijnaldum) Watford 1 (Janmaat), Premier League, November 2016.
Liverpool 2 (Allen, Firmino) Watford 0, Premier League, May 2016
Form guide…
Liverpool: WLWDWW
Watford: LLLLLL
Odds…
Liverpool to win: 11/20
Watford to win: 5/1
Draw: 3/1
(Odds provided by 888 Sport)
64' - Alberto Moreno's long-range effort is tipped over by Heurelho Gomes before Joel Matip's header cannons off the crossbar from the resulting corner.
70' - Dejan Lovren sees his header from a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner parried away by the Watford goalkeeper.
78' - A short injury time-out as Younes Kaboul has his upper leg strapped up.
He'll have to complete the match as Watford are already out of substitutes.
81' - Liverpool make their first substitution of the afternoon as Divock Origi replaces Roberto Firmino.
86' - Sadio Mane gets in behind before squaring the ball to Gini Wijnaldum, whose first-time shot drifts well wide.
GOAL! Watford 3-3 Liverpool (Britos)
90+3' - More sloppy defending from Liverpool from a corner and Miguel Britos turns the ball home to snatch a point for the hosts.
Unbelievable!
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments