Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Liverpool 2 - Watford 0: Allen and Firmino get job done amid major changes for Klopp's men
JOE ALLEN scored his first goal since January before Roberto Firmino wrapped up a routine win for Liverpool and Anfield.
Joe Allen scored the opener at Anfield
Wales international Allen latched on to a Christian Benteke knock-down to squirm a shot past Heurelho Gomes.
And Firmino drilled home midway through the second half to secure the three points.
Benteke himself came close to scoring after the break, while Odion Ighalo squandered Watford's best effort.
And it took the hosts time to get into the game as Watford's Odion Ighalo was the first to scare goalkeeper Simon Mignolet with an early chip.
Indeed, with Watford defending deep and playing on the counter attack it was 35 minuets until Liverpool had their first chance - and Allen converted it.
Philippe Coutinho - one of the few selection survivors from Thursday's game at Anfield - chipped over the Benteke who nodded into Welshman Allen path to prod home.
Sturridge sends Liverpool into Europa League final
Coutinho himself could have scored early after the break but fluffed his chance, while Gomes denied Benteke.
But Firmino put the tie beyond doubt with a fine solo effort 15 minutes from time.
The Brazilian ran direct at the Watford defence and when he wasn't intercepted drilled a low effort past a floundering Gomes.
From there on it was one-way traffic as Benteke was again denied before Jordon Ibe hit a post with three minutes left.
Would you like to receive news notifications from Daily Express?