TEAM NEWS: Lucas starts as Lovren sits out Liverpool’s Watford test

Melissa Reddy

TEAM NEWS: Lucas starts as Lovren sits out Liverpool’s Watford test image

Jurgen Klopp has been forced into a defensive change for Liverpool’s game against Watford on Sunday as Dejan Lovren is ruled out with a virus.

Is Liverpool's defense really that bad?

Lucas replaces the center back at Anfield, with James Milner returning to the Reds’ rearguard after he was laid low with illness last week.

The Merseysiders are otherwise unchanged as they look to stretch their unbeaten streak to 12 games. 

Youngster Ovie Ejaria earns a place on the bench for the second time in the league, after also being named among the substitutes in the 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.

Liverpool starting XI: Karius, Clyne, Lucas, Matip, Milner, Henderson, Can, Lallana, Mane, Coutinho, Firmino,

Liverpool subs: Mignolet, Klavan, Moreno, Wijnaldum, Ejaria, Origi, Sturridge #

Melissa Reddy

Melissa Reddy Photo