Why Watford will be 'more' dangerous at Anfield
The licence afforded by Watford's situation in the Premier League table makes them a more dangerous proposition at Anfield, according to Emre Can.
Despite their defeat at Arsenal last weekend, Javi Gracia’s side sit a comfortable 10th in the standings with 36 points ahead of the final eight games of the season.
The Hornets, who snatched a point from the Reds on the opening day of the campaign in August courtesy of a stoppage-time equaliser in a 3-3 draw, seem removed from the threat of relegation at this stage.
And Can believes that element of freedom means the visitors will provide a tricky test for Jürgen Klopp’s side this evening.
“In the Premier League you never know what happens. They won’t think about relaxing, they’ll just want to win,” the Germany international told Liverpoolfc.com.
“They’ll come to Anfield to win. Watford are a team with good players and individual quality. They will try to win the game but, of course, we will try as well.
“It will be a tough game, for sure. But the Newcastle and West Ham games are a good example. Maybe it will be a game where we have to stay patient – but we have to try to win.”
Liverpool dropped down to fourth as a result of their 2-1 defeat against Manchester United, only their fourth loss of the Premier League season so far.
The need to respond is obvious, particularly with an international break to follow the meeting with Watford and the fact that United, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are involved in FA Cup action this weekend.
But such pressure is nothing new for Can and his colleagues, and the No.23 is certain they will suitably deal with the demands ahead during the run-in.
“It would be a good thing to win and go to the national teams with confidence. We are third in the table if we win – that would be perfect for us,” he said.
“At a club like Liverpool you always have pressure. You always want to be in the top four. It’s nothing different. Our team can deal with that very well.
“We will try our best to be in the top four; we have a very good position now and hopefully we will at the end of the season as well.”