BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson has identified playmaker Xherdan Shaqiri as Liverpool’s key man when they take on Watford on Wednesday night.
The Reds will be attempting to get back to winning ways after Sunday’s dull draw with Manchester United, and Lawrenson believes Shaqiri could be the man to lead them to a 2-0 victory.
“I just wonder whether Reds boss Jurgen Klopp might change things here, and go with the 4-2-3-1 that he has used quite a bit recently,” he wrote on the BBC Sport website. “That way, Xherdan Shaqiri comes in, Roberto Firmino drops deeper into the number 10 position and Salah goes through the middle as the centre-forward, rather than out wide.
“Shaqiri could be the player who gives Liverpool the boost they need, because he makes thing happen. I think they will get the win, but they are going to have work for it because Watford are on a good run and they will provide a serious test.”
OPINION
Lawrenson might be right about the system Liverpool will go with on Wednesday after Firmino’s injury against United on Sunday. Shaqiri is the obvious player to come into the team, but that could end up being an enforced blessing for Klopp. The Reds need some creativity, especially with Firmino likely out of the game, and Shaqiri is someone who could provide that. He’s dropped off form a bit of late after an excellent start to life at Anfield, but he remains a talented player who can unlock packed defences. Whoever plays, though, Watford will be a very tough test on Wednesday. Javi Gracia’s team are enjoying a wonderful season and are coming off a big win over Cardiff City on Friday night. They will be full of confidence and they certainly have the players to hurt Liverpool. This is a massive game after Sunday, but Klopp’s men should have enough to claim all three points.
