Liverpool v Aston Villa – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Liverpool host Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday in the English Premier League. Jurgen Klopp’s team faces one of their greatest ever players in Steven Gerrard, who is sure to get an amazing reception upon his return to Merseyside. The Reds are playing some sensational stuff whilst Villa has improved since Gerrard arrived.

Liverpool Form

Liverpool is at the top of their game. With one defeat in 31 matches and the goals flowing freely in the league, they look like title favourites. The Reds went to AC Milan in midweek without eight first XI players and still won 2-1, a sign of their class.

After losing 3-2 at West Ham to end a long undefeated streak, Liverpool has thrashed Arsenal 4-0, Southampton 4-0, and Everton 4-1. They faced a determined Wolves in their last league match but scored a 94th-minute winner through Divocki Origi to take a 1-0 victory.

Liverpool Team News

Roberto Firmino is still out so Diego Jota will lead the line. Eight players rested away to Milan and all will return whilst Alisson, Sadio Mane, and Mohamed Salah will start once again.

James Milner is available after a European suspension and Naby Keita is also back to boost midfield options after an injury. The squad looks in rude health with just Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott as other absentees.

Liverpool Motivation

Motivation to beat Steven Gerrard will be big, with a very local, emotional crowd expected. Nothing less than a win will be targeted whilst the Reds tend to keep attacking when leading and not settling for narrow victories.

They can fully focus on the league now that the Champions League group stage is over.

Aston Villa Form

Following Dean Smith’s sacking after five losses in a row, Steven Gerrard came in. He oversaw late goals showing to win 2-0 at home to Brighton (was 0-0 after 83’) before winning 2-1 at then in-form Crystal Palace.

A 2-1 home loss to Man City followed but they played well in that match and “won” the second 1-0 in a good outing. Their last match saw a 2-1 home win against Leicester having trailed 1-0. Ezri Konsa came forward from the back to score both goals for the Villains.

Aston Villa Team News

Gerrard is without three winger options in Bertrand Traore, Trezeguet, and Leon Bailey due to injuries. Matt Targett should be available after a head injury whilst Danny Ings will be on the bench after a knock too.

If Targett is absent then Ashley Young will cover at left-back. Douglas Luiz should keep his place with Jacob Ramsey probably needed a win due to injuries. Ollie Watkins will lead the line but it remains to be seen if Emi Buendia will keep his spot or a more defensively-sound wide man will step in (Young could play there if Targett is fit).

Aston Villa Motivation

Villa was quite progressive and positive in the recent defeat to Man City and won’t park the bus in this one. Gerrard would love to get a result at Anfield but will be slightly torn about harming Liverpool’s title chances.

Considering the injuries, Villa may not have a very deep bench nor much width to their play to try to break Liverpool down.

Key Stats

Liverpool have lost 1 of their last 31 matches (all comps)

LFC have scored 2+ goals in 11 of their last 12 PL matches

Liverpool have won their last two Premier League home matches 4-0

LFC’s Salah has either scored or assisted a goal in 13 consecutive PL games

Villa have lost 7 of their last 11 away PL matches

Aston Villa have conceded in 12 of their last 13 away PL matches

Verdict

Liverpool is simply looking too good not to win this match although Villa could cause real problems at times even without most of their genuine winger options. Look at the handicap and win to nil markets for value.

Best Bet: Liverpool win (-1 handicap) at 1.64
Value Bet: Liverpool win (-2 handicap) at 2.65
Goalscorer Tip: Salah first goalscorer at 3.40
Alternative Bet: Liverpool win to nil at 2.15

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis