Liverpool vs Watford

The postponement of Liverpool's third round FA Cup game at Burnley on Friday evening may prove to be a blessing in disguise. After a busy Christmas period, the Premiership squad have benefited from a few extra rest days before they embark on another busy couple of weeks in which they hope to reach the Carling Cup Final. Attempting to stop Rafa Benitez from moving one step closer to winning his first trophy as Liverpool manager are Watford. The Hornets have for the second time in three years reached the last four of a major Cup competition. The reason for their sustained success in the knock-out tournaments has been their home form. In the Carling Cup they have already knocked out Premiership sides Portsmouth and Southampton, and on Saturday afternoon held Fulham to a draw in the FA Cup despite going behind early in that game. A trip to Anfield promises to be a far sterner test, especially when Liverpool's home form is considered this season where they have claimed 25 points from 33. In the Championship Watford's away form has been mediocre with just the four victories, all against lesser quality than what they will be up against on Tuesday evening. The early indications are that Liverpool intend to field a strong team having initially played the youngsters in the early rounds. Milan Baros is back after a hamstring injury and a fit-again Steven Gerrard is also likely to feature. Ideally Benitez would like to win the home leg well, so for the return fixture at Vicarage Road he could rest a number of his established stars. Expect therefore the home team to come out firing and look to win the game with something to spare. Bet365 offer odds against that Liverpool can win the game by two clear goals, and that looks well worth a decent investment. Over half of Liverpool's victories in all competitions this season at Anfield have been by at least a two goal margin. Considering Liverpool are likely to play a strong team, are fairly well rested and are up against an average Championship side that isn't as formidable away, then a two goal victory looks more than likely.