Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson says his side are very much “on the front-foot” as they head into their game against Watford tonight.
The midfielder, who was speaking in the matchday programme, as cited on the club’s official website, is under no illusions that this will be an easy game as he spoke of Watford’s “outstanding win away at Cardiff” this past weekend.
The Hornets recorded an impressive 5-1 win away to Cardiff City on Friday, with Gerard Deulofeu showing inspired form as he took home the match ball after scoring a hat-trick.
Javi Gracia’s men have been playing “brilliant football this season” according to Henderson and will be coming to Anfield full of confidence.
But the England midfielder says Liverpool are in just as good position themselves.
As confident as Watford will be in their current situation, we are just as much on the front-foot ourselves.
The Reds registered a comfortable 3-0 win over Watford at Vicarage Road in the reverse fixture in November.
We come into this having recorded three clean sheets in a row. Knowing our team is so, so strong defensively is the perfect basis to work from going into games – and gives everyone confidence on the pitch.
The 28-year-old isn’t wrong – Liverpool lead the way with 15 clean sheets this season, with Manchester City following behind with 12.
Tonight looks to be no different, in the 27 games Liverpool and Watford have met, the Reds have kept 15 clean sheets and conceded the same number of goals.
Possibly more importantly, in those games, Liverpool have scored 59.
I know there will be a focus on whether we are the same attacking and creative threat, but these questions we’re asked before and we’ve always found the answer.
That’s the thing that gives us, as a team, the belief we need. We’re a team that team and team again finds an answer when the question is asked.
As the end of the season fast approaches, Jürgen Klopp’s men are remaining confident.
No-one expects more from this team than ourselves. Every game will feel like a cup final, but find me someone who doesn’t want to be involved in cup finals?
We’re absolutely loving it. ‘Bring it on’ is our mentality – for tonight and any game between now and the season finishing.
Liverpool fans could see Roberto Firmino feature tonight as his injury against Manchester United is not as serious as first thought, it was revealed in Jürgen Klopp’s press conference.
There is more good news as both Joe Gomez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are showing positive signs in training as their rehab is progressing.
