Mellor: why Klopp may reunite Coutinho, Lallana and Firmino for Watford

But Reds' main problems seem to be at the back rather than up front.

Liverpool's Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho celebrate after Manchester City's Eliaquim Mangala scored an own during the Barclays Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester.

It will be interesting to see how Jurgen Klopp sets his front line up on Sunday at Watford.

Does he keep Benteke in there leading the line, or will he revert to using the front trio of Coutinho, Firmino and Lallana again now that the little Brazilian is back fit?

We all saw what they did at Manchester City a few weeks ago and I just think Jurgen might want to go with them again for this one.

But to be honest, the main problems seem to be at the back, rather than up front, when we are trying to defend corners & set pieces.

They were two very disappointing goals for us to concede to West Brom last week. If Simon Mignolet comes then he has to get the ball - and for the second one Martin Skrtel lost his man and we got caught out again.

I know a lot’s been said since about West Brom’s style - or lack of it - and we saw just what I had expected from them. But there is no right or wrong way to play football and while frustrating to watch, Tony Pulis does get results so we can’t complain.

Watford will of course also be a tough test for us too. They don’t concede many goals but they don’t score that many either, though they do play with two up front in Troy Deeney and Odion Ighalo.

Watford have won their last three games and are above us in the table. So we must respect them and they’ll likely be hard for us to break down.

But for me this is an opportunity for the Reds to get back to their best so I would not approach this game with any fear.

If Coutinho, Firmino and Lallana do play and can recreate the form we saw at the Etihad in November - and if we tighten up on set pieces - then we can take the points, I’m sure.

Liverpool FC v FC Sion Europa League Match in Sions Tourbillon Stadium Switzerland. Jordan Rossiter wins the tackle

Rossiter's time will surely come

You have to feel a bit for Jordan Rossiter after suffering his second hamstring injury of the season.

With the festive period coming up and all the games we have to play in early January too, in the FA Cup and Capital One Cup, I’d have expected to see him involved in a fair amount of action.

So this is another setback for the 18-year-old but I am sure it is nothing too much to worry about.

You do get injuries as young players develop - remember he won’t have been a full time professional for long and he’s still growing and adapting to the rigours of the game.

BORDEAUX, FRANCE - SEPTEMBER 17: Jordan Rossiter (L) and Adam Lallana after his goal for Liverpool FC during the Europa League game between FC Girondins de Bordeaux and Liverpool FC at Matmut Atlantique Stadium on September 17, 2015 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Romain Perrocheau/Getty Images)

But I am convinced Jordan has a huge future ahead of him. That’s not just because of his ability - of course we can see he has that - but really because of his strong personality too.

He is not afraid to point out to someone much older and more experienced than him if they are doing something wrong.

We’re in an era where there are not too many big characters around perhaps. But Jordan is a local lad and a real tough, committed battler.

Clyne backs Klopp to inspire title bid

Liverpool defender Nathaniel Clyne says Jurgen Klopp's vibrant personality has infused his side with the belief they can win the Premier League this season.

Klopp's side are 11 points behind leaders Leicester City in ninth place as they prepare to face Watford at Vicarage Road on Sunday.

But England right-back Clyne believes Klopp has already made such a positive impression since replacing Brendan Rodgers as Reds boss in October that a title challenge is still a distinct possibility.

Liverpool are without a win in their last three matches in all competitions, yet morale remains high after they recovered to rescue a 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion last weekend thanks to Divock Origi's strike deep into stoppage time.

Klopp celebrated Origi's equaliser by leading his players over to the famous Kop end of Anfield to take a bow in front of the fans and it is that kind of spontaneous enthusiasm which has convinced Clyne that Liverpool's manager has the club on the verge of something special.

"The manager said it was the best crowd since he has been at the club and he was giving something back to them," Clyne told the Daily Telegraph.

"We didn't know it was going to happen and it took me by surprise.

"What we did there showed we could get the crowd more motivated by doing that salute. Liverpool has a big atmosphere and we know if we get that crowd going it makes us play better.

"We were under the cosh and in the last minute we equalised. It was a good moment for us."

VULNERABILITY

With Chelsea in crisis, Leicester unlikely to sustain their remarkable run and Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United all showing signs of vulnerability, Clyne sees no reason why Liverpool can't get involved in the title race, or at least finish in the top four.

"Can we win the title? Yeah, it's a possibility. Our target is definitely to get into the top four and we are in all the cup competitions," he added.

"We are doing really well. The league is unpredictable. It keeps everyone excited, not knowing what is going to happen."

James Milner will be sidelined on Sunday after the Liverpool midfielder felt discomfort in his calf during training, while injured duo Dejan Lovren and Daniel Sturridge are also ruled out.

Although Watford have enjoyed an impressive first season back in the top flight, they have yet to claim the scalp of one of the big guns after matches against Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United all ended in defeat.

In their first meeting with Liverpool in almost nine years, Quique Sanchez Flores' side believe they can put the record straight with a first victory over the Reds since Tommy Mooney secured a shock 1-0 success at Anfield in 1999.

The Hornets, who boast a stingy defence and the goal power of Nigeria striker Odion Ighalo, sit two places above Liverpool in seventh after reeling off three successive wins and Sanchez Flores made it clear he and his players won't be intimidated by their more illustrious visitors.

"Klopp is a very positive manager and he's always thinking about good, offensive football," the Spaniard said.

"He wants to learn about the Premier League and it is new for him.

"But I'm not thinking too much about the coach, I'm thinking about Adam Lallana, Emre Can, Christian Benteke. That's more important than thoughts of Jurgen Klopp."

Watford boss Quique Flores backs Jurgen Klopp to be the next Jose Mourinho

WATFORD manager Quique Sanchez Flores claims English football will miss Jose Mourinho and tipped Jurgen Klopp to be the next managerial star.\

The Spaniard, 50, spoke on the eve of their home match with Klopp’s Liverpool, hoping to maintain their bright start in the Premier League.

They were heavily tipped for relegation yet Flores has turned Watford into a smart, attacking side but hopes they remain ‘humble’.

He is looking forward to his first meeting with Klopp and said: “He’s a very positive manager and always tries to do the best for the players. He always thinks about good, attacking football.

“Now he is in a moment where he wants to learn about the Premier League, his new players and the younger players.

“It looks like he wants to learn as quickly as possible about the Premier League and English football.

“Sunday is the first time I will oppose Klopp in a match. He’s positive, he’s educated and doesn’t look like he’s under pressure.

“His philosophy is attacking – always thinking about how to score more goals.

“He is clever and will take it slowly, step by step. He wants to know about the Premier League because it is completely different to the Bundesliga.

“When he finally decides what is his first XI, finally Liverpool will go all out for the top spot.

“But I do not focus on him. I am focusing on Liverpool as a team – on the players – because managers can plan and plan but finally the players are the most important people.

“I am not thinking too much about their coach – I am thinking about Adam Lallana and about Christian Benteke – this is what is I’m thinking about. I need to think about them more than the thoughts of Jurgen Klopp.”

Flores is sad over Mourinho’s sacking. He said: “I was a little bit surprised – Jose Mourinho was one of the best managers in the last 15 years.

“The Premier League has a lot of managers of high quality and Mourinho was one of the best. It’s not good for the Premier League to lose that kind of coach.

“He will be back at some stage – he will get a new team when he is ready.

“Two years ago I spoke to Mourinho and he told me how he loved the Premier League. Now that I’m working here I can understand why he loves it.

“Maybe he will take time off for reflection. He feels passion for his profession and he will be ready to coach again.”.

Adam Lallana confident of Liverpool goals now he’s at full fitness

The midfielder will be looking to add to his tally by scoring against Watford this weekend.

Adam Lallana has told the club’s official website that he is looking to add more goals to his game now he is at full fitness at the club.

The midfielder endured a disappointing first season at Liverpool last year following his move from Southampton, with a number of niggling injuries limiting his game time.

It was a similar scenario this season as he initially struggled for fitness, but he has since improved and been one of the key players since Jurgen Klopp took charge at Anfield.

He now says he is the fittest he has ever been at the club, and is looking to add more goals to his game moving forward.

“I’ve been playing more consistently, but the big thing that has coincided is me being back to full fitness, I feel as fit as I ever have at the club,” he told liverpoolfc.com.

“I’m delighted to be fit now and contributing to the team. It’s always good to get a run of games. Any player will tell you that when you get a good run of games, you feel naturally fit.”

“I just feel good on the pitch. I want to be contributing more on the goals front – that’s something I’m working on, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time.”

If there is one area that Lallana needs to improve in at Liverpool, it certainly is his goalscoring record.

He has so far only managed five goals in 39 Premier League appearances for the Reds, a disappointing tally for a player who plays in such a key position in the side.

With their striker’s also struggling for form this season, Jurgen Klopp needs other players to step up, and he will be hoping to see a drastic improvement from Lallana moving forward.

Liverpool’s Adam Lallana Looking To Reward Jurgen Klopp’s Trust

Featuring in every single game under Jürgen Klopp so far has allowed Adam Lallana to produce what he believes is his most consistent form for Liverpool to date — but the attacker knows even more is required moving forward. 

The No. 20 has started 10 of the 14 games overseen by the manager since his appointment in October and been introduced as a substitute in the other four, making for the kind of run that fortune has previously denied. 

Niggling injuries and setbacks have been a source of regular frustration for Lallana in preventing the England international — such a skilled user of the ball when fit — from showing his talents more often for the Reds. 

Happily, his luck now seems to have turned, but he is not prepared to leave anything to chance. Instead, the 27-year-old is plotting improvements in his own game that can help the team in any way possible. 

Lallana told Liverpoolfc.com: “I’ve been playing more consistently, but the big thing that has coincided is me being back to full fitness. I’ve had a good run of games under my belt now, I feel as fit as I ever have at the club. 

“It was disappointing that I started the season off with a slight injury that kept me out for two weeks, when I thought I had put that behind me last year. I’m delighted to be fit now and contributing to the team. 

“It’s always good to get a run of games. Any player will tell you that when you get a good run of games, you feel naturally fit. I just feel good on the pitch. I want to be contributing more on the goals front — that’s something I’m working on, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time.”