Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points ahead of Matchweek 28.
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Watford's winter revival has lost momentum in recent weeks, with a lack of creative inspiration a root cause of that dip.
Since winning 3-0 at AFC Bournemouth on 12 January, the Hornets have picked up only two points from a possible 15.
Missing the power and pace of winger Ismaila Sarr, who was sidelined by injury before returning as a substitute last weekend, Nigel Pearson's men have struggled to open up opponents in their last three matches.
While Sarr's replacement Roberto Pereyra scored a lovely goal in the 3-2 home defeat to Everton, the Argentinian has otherwise struggled to make an impact.
Watford have been less able to stretch and turn rival teams without the rapid Sarr and have created significantly fewer chances than usual.
The 22-year-old has now had a full week's training and, if he is fit to start against Liverpool on Saturday, it would be a huge boost.
Watch Sarr back in training
Clear-cut opportunities have been few and far between.
Opta's Expected Goals (xG) metric indicates Watford have been fortunate to score three goals across their last three matches.
Mustering only two shots on target per match and manufacturing few efforts from open play, Pearson's side are flat as they prepare for this testing fixture.
To stand any chance of causing an upset against the leaders, they must be clinical from set-pieces and half-chances or make big improvements in the final third.
Watford's last three matches
| Premier League | Season ave. | v Man Utd | v Brighton | v Everton |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expected Goals | 1.2 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 0.9 |
| Shots on target | 3.2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Open-play chances created | 7.6 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Touches in opp. box | 22.9 | 16 | 17 | 14 |
Pearson has pushed Abdoulaye Doucoure into a more attacking-midfield role since taking over as head coach.
It is a decision that brings positives and negatives.
Without the ball the Hornets have certainly missed his physicality and ball-winning qualities.
When Doucoure has been ahead of the ball in the No 10 role, opposing midfield runners have enjoyed more space in the middle third.
This void has been more noticeably felt in recent matches, with rival sides slicing through the centre of the pitch on several occasions.
On the plus side, Doucoure's dynamism gives Watford a new attacking dimension.
Doucoure's threat under Pearson
| 2019/20 | Per 90 mins |
|---|---|
| Shots | 2.0 |
| Key passes | 1.0 |
| Touches in opp. box | 3.6 |
| Mins/goal | 290.6 |
He scored a wonderful solo goal at Brighton & Hove Albion when running from deep and has also found the net against AFC Bournemouth and Wolves.
His average under Pearson of a goal every 290.6 minutes is impressive.
Over the course of the campaign only Gerard Deulofeu has had more touches inside the box or more shots than Doucoure.
Liverpool must be aware of his threat this weekend.
If Doucoure's sporadic runs are not tracked, or he is given room to travel with the ball at his feet, Watford's best midfielder has the potential to hurt them.
Tactically, it is important he plays a little closer to striker Troy Deeney and the same applies to Deulofeu.
The Watford captain is at his best when he has team-mates to link up with and this trio is good enough to trouble any Premier League opponent when they work in tandem.
Also in this series
Part 1: Van Aanholt key to positive Palace approach
Part 2: Shaw rising to task of flexible Man Utd role
Part 4: Boly presence vital to Wolves defence
Part 5: Why Nuno may restore Traore to Wolves attack
