EPL-winning manager makes one promise to Ekong, Dennis, Watford stars ahead of Liverpool clash

Published: October 14, 2021

English Premier League-winning manager Claudio Ranieri has promised to pay for dinner for the Watford players if they manage to keep a clean sheet in Saturday's meeting against Liverpool at Vicarage Road.

Nigeria internationals William Troost-Ekong and Emmanuel Dennis are set to be involved in some capacity against the Reds having been spotted training with the Hornets on Wednesday, while Oghenekaro Etebo is confirmed to be out after surgery on the tear in his quad.

Xisco Munoz became the first managerial casualty of the new Premier League season and he wasn't doing too badly considering that Watford were four points above the drop zone when he was dismissed.

Ranieri's main ambition is to keep Watford in the Premier League and his first challenge is at home to Liverpool.

Troost-Ekong and his Watford teammates keeping a clean sheet against Liverpool is a tall order as they have not managed to do so in their first seven league games and will be facing statistically the most potent attack in the Premier League with 17 goals scored.

Ranieri was quoted as saying by Watford's official website : "I have to prepare everything well.

"The first questions will be to ask the players how they are, how tired they are and if they have any knocks. After, I will think about the team.

"If we get a clean sheet a pizza is too little. I’ll pay for dinner!"

Both Troost-Ekong and Dennis have started all the Premier League games played by Watford so far this season.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : watfordfc.com

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