Ahead of Liverpool's Premier League clash with Watford, we cast an eye over the opposition to learn more about the challenge the Reds will face at Anfield on Saturday…

The manager

Javi Gracia was appointed Watford boss in late January, the 47-year-old Spaniard replacing Marco Silva at the helm for the second half of the season.

He arrived at Vicarage Road with more than a decade’s managerial experience and an impressive CV, which listed his most recent employment as coach of Russian side Rubin Kazan.

His career in the dugout began in his home country and has also included spells in Greece, with the highlight to date perhaps the achievement of guiding Malaga to successive top-10 finishes in La Liga in 2015 and 2016.

Recent form

In their six Premier League games since Gracia took charge in January, the Hornets have accrued 10 points – winning all three home fixtures, against Chelsea, Everton and West Bromwich Albion.

They were defeated by Arsenal last time out, however, succumbing to a 3-0 reversal at Emirates Stadium. That result left Watford 10th in the table with 36 points.

Their away form specifically may be cause for greater concern, though. They have failed to find the net in any of the past four league matches on the road.

Last time out

Watford ruined Liverpool’s hopes of a winning start to the 2017-18 Premier League campaign in the third minute of stoppage-time when the teams clashed in August.

Jürgen Klopp’s men twice fought back from behind to take a 3-2 lead shortly before the hour mark, courtesy of goals from Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino (penalty) and Mohamed Salah.

But the drama of an eventful encounter continued until practically the final kick and Miguel Britos had the last say when he forced the ball home to snatch a share of the spoils.

Watch: Watford v LFC in 90 seconds

Key men

Abdoulaye Doucoure has been a standout performer for Watford this term.

The Frenchman tops the team’s scoring charts with seven in the Premier League and also leads the way for passes (1,806), tackles (64) and interceptions (43).

Summer signing Richarlison has five goals and four assists, and is the only player in the Hornets squad to have featured in every match of the campaign to date.

Quote

“I know Anfield is very difficult. But we are looking forward to the match. They are now in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and the top four of the Premier League. Nobody has won at Anfield in the league this season. It’s not easy. But we are going to try.”

Gracia at his pre-match press conference