Aston Villa vs Liverpool preview

Aston Villa vs Liverpool preview

Aston Villa play host to Liverpool on Saturday as Liverpool look to extend their decent run of form.

 

For the first time in a long time, things look like they’re starting to look up for the Reds. They haven’t lost since the loss at Manchester United on December 14^th. Since then Liverpool have won 4 out of 6 games conceding only 6 goals in that time and scoring 12, a noticeable improvement over their earlier form.

 

Despite form picking up slightly however the reds lie in 8^th place, five points of Manchester United in 4^th who also have a far superior goal difference. A further good run of results will be crucial if Liverpool are to maintain their champion’s league status.

 

They face an Aston Villa side who haven’t won in the last six league games. It’s obvious where their problems lie as they have only scored 11 goals from 21 league games this season, despite the return of the at times unplayable Christian Benteke. He certainly is capable of scoring the goals to get Villa out of trouble and with them sitting only 3 points above the relegation zone.

 

In their most recent match Villa suffered a disappointing 1 - 0 loss to bottom placed Leicester. They only mustered 1 shot on target throughout the game and with the bottom eight teams being separated by only five points they will want to start picking up wins quickly.

 

Liverpool meanwhile will be optimistic. Even with their shaky defence they must be confident of keeping Villa’s less than prolific attack at bay. This is a Villa side after all that have only managed to score more than once in two league games all season.

 

Brendan Rodgers will have fond memories of Villa Park, winning both previous matches there with Liverpool, most recently being a win by a single goal by Daniel Sturridge last season. Sturridge remains out injured, although is expected to return in the not to distant future.

 

Liverpool’s attack meanwhile has been beginning to look like the fluid attack of last season. The likely return of Raheem Sterling tomorrow. It will be interesting to see Brendan Rodgers team selection with the Capital one Cup semi-final looming on Tuesday against Chelsea.

 

It may be interesting to see whether Jordan Ibe will be involved after he was recalled early from his season long loan spell at Derby County.

 

Steven Gerrard is an injury doubt and may be saved for the game against Chelsea meaning Emre Can could take his place in midfield. The impressive Lazar Markovic will be looking to build on his impressive performance against Sunderland and is likely to start.

 

It would be foolish to underestimate any game in the premier league, especially away from home and while Liverpool’s away form so far this season has been patchy at best, they will feel confident in securing another three points here. I expect the Reds to edge this one.