Liverpool vs Aston Villa Preview:
Possible starting lineups:
Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Kabak, Robertson; Milner, Fabinho, Jones; Shaqiri, Firmino, Mane
Aston Villa:
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; Luiz, McGinn; Traore, Barkley, Trezeguet; Watkins
Liverpool welcome Aston Villa in the Premier League, between the matches with Real Madrid in the Champions League. Jurgen Klopp is in a tricky position for this match. He will definitely want to rest some of his regulars for the second leg match with Real, but at the same time he can't risk dropping points. The actual form is mixed, three victories and three defeats on the last six matches across all competitions. Last weekend they were impressive and beat Arsenal at the Emirats with 3:0. Diogo Jota, who has replaced Andy Robertson in the second half, was the key name on the match. First he scored a header in 64th minute thanks to Trent Alexander-Arnold's brilliant assist. Liverpool doubled their lead four minutes later through Mohamed Salah, while Jota scored his second goal from close range with eight minutes left. Everything looked good until Tuesday, but the poor display in Madrid disappointed the fans. Liverpool lost 3:1 to Real and spoiled their chances for progress. I believe the players confidence is not at desired level. The injury situation is still complicated, Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip remain out, as well as Jordan Henderson, Divock Origi and Caoimhin Kelleher. Klopp could take the opportunity to rest some of his key players with Xherdan Shaqiri, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Curtis Jones pushing for a start.
Aston Villa are on the 9th place with 44 points. They are far away from the relegation battle, but at the same time they are not involved in the fight for Europe. However, I think the fans are satisfied and this season could be evaluated as successful one. Of course, the players must stay fully focused until the last round. I am sure they will find motivation against the reigning champions. The Villans won 7:2 in the reverse fixture and they will like to obtain a double. The current form is mixed, though they beat Fulham with 3:1 last weekend. Aston Villa were one goal down until the finish of the match, but the substitute Trezeguet scored twice in just three minutes, plus England forward Ollie Watkins added the third from inside the six-yard area. Interesting to be mentioned, before netting the brace against Fulham, Trezeguet had attempted 29 shots without scoring, more than any other player in this season's Premier League. Manager Dean Smith has two injury concerns ahead of this match - Jack Grealish, who has missed the last seven games with a shin injury, is rated as doubtful. The captain suffered a set-back in his recovery and most probably won't be risked. Wesley is Smith's second injury worry. The last weekend's goals against Fulham should be enough for Trezeguet to book a place in the starting eleven.
Liverpool vs Aston Villa Prediction:
This will be the third match between Liverpool and Aston Villa this season. As I've wrote above, Villa won 7:2 in the reverse fixture, but Liverpool won 4:1 in the cup. The fact is Villa played that match with youngsters, but anyway, the last mutual games have produced lot of goals. I expect both teams to score here. The Reds have not register clean sheet on the last six league games at home. Considering this fact, I expect Villa to score, at least. Klopp, meanwhile, will ask offensive from his players. He will go for three points to stay in touch with the Champions League spots. The Reds are the only side yet to win a Premier League home game in 2021. Whoever starts for Liverpool, must give the maximum on this match.
Liverpool vs Aston Villa Pick: Both teams to score - Yes @ 1.76 with
Pinnacle
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