Liverpool Vs Aston Villa Preview: Prediction, Team News, Predicted Lineups, Streaming Sites

Anfield looks set to welcome their legend Steven Gerrard, as his Aston Villa side takes on Liverpool on Saturday. It is set to be an emotional moment for the former midfielder, who is regarded as one of the most iconic figures to ever play for the club.

One of the best players of his generation, it appears Gerrard’s coaching career is going strong as well, with the Englishman playing a key role in improving Aston Villa over the past few weeks. The Villans have won three of their last four league matches and will be hoping for another victory that could help them push for the top eight.

But they are up against a mighty Liverpool side that recently registered a hundred percent winning record in the Champions League stages, thanks to a midweek win over AC Milan. The Reds are also second in the Premier League table, trailing Manchester City at the top by just a point. With no margin for error, Jurgen Klopp’s men will be determined to seal all three points in this encounter.

Liverpool Vs Aston Villa Preview

Talking Tactics

Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp has no reason to tinker with his tried and tested 4-3-3 formation that will largely revolve around the attacking trifecta. But it will be equally important for the midfielders to form a resolute second line of press that will look to prevent the opposition from working the ball upfront. It could be essential in their bid to neutralize potential counter-attacking threats from a Villa side that can be quite lethal on the break.

Aston Villa

As for Steven Gerrard, he predominantly prefers a 4-3-3 as well, which should help him mirror Liverpool’s system. But the Villans are set to embrace a more defensive approach and perhaps even double on Liverpool’s wide attackers that can cause problems for the defenders with their free-flowing style of play. Gerrard may also emphasize the counters, with Ollie Watkins being a key figure due to his pace.

Team News

Liverpool

After fielding a second fiddle squad against Milan this week, Klopp will look to recall most of his star players on the weekend. Roberto Firmino is likely to be ruled out for this game despite nearing his recovery while doubts linger over the involvement of Diogo Jota. The Portuguese international did not train with the squad this weekend, with Klopp hinting that he may miss out against Aston Villa.

Aston Villa

Bertrand Traore and new signing Leon Bailey remain guaranteed absentees for Aston Villa this weekend. But on a positive note, both Danny Ings and Matt Targett have been passed fit to feature against Liverpool while there is a slight chance of Trezeguet making the squad for the trip to Anfield.

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Minamino, Salah, Mane

Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Nakamba, Luiz; Ramsey, Watkins, Buendia

Prediction

Liverpool 2-1 Aston Villa

Streaming Sites