Preview: Liverpool vs Aston Villa team news, and line-ups
Liverpool will host Aston Villa in a highly anticipated Premier League clash at Anfield on Saturday. Liverpool, currently aiming to secure a top-four spot, will be looking to build on their recent momentum after a convincing 3-0 win against Leicester City. Goals from Curtis Jones and Trent Alexander-Arnold propelled Jurgen Klopp's side to victory. Sitting just one point outside the top four, Liverpool is determined to secure Champions League football for the upcoming season.
With seven consecutive wins under their belt, Liverpool exudes confidence. However, they are well aware of Aston Villa's capabilities as the latter is also vying for a European finish. Aston Villa, led by Unai Emery, showcased their resilience in their recent 2-1 triumph over Tottenham Hotspur, with Jacob Ramsey and Douglas Luiz finding the back of the net.
Liverpool has a strong historical advantage over Aston Villa, having won nine out of their last ten encounters (with one loss). While they have suffered six Premier League defeats against Villa at home, Anfield has generally been a fortress for Klopp's team. Their unbeaten streak of 11 league games in front of their supporters highlights their formidable home form. Liverpool has emerged victorious in their final home game in each of the last six league campaigns and has only lost once in their last 11 seasons.
Facing Liverpool on their home turf poses a significant challenge for Aston Villa, but their hopes of European qualification depend on overcoming this formidable opponent. Since Emery's arrival, Villa has accumulated an impressive 45 points, with only Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool amassing more. However, Emery has struggled against Liverpool in their previous encounters, with no wins in their last seven meetings across all competitions.
Ollie Watkins, Villa's prolific goalscorer, has netted five league goals against Liverpool, making them his most frequently scored against opponent. In their previous clash this season, Watkins found the back of the net in a 3-1 defeat, and he will be eager to add to his tally in this match.
In terms of recent form, Liverpool has been in impeccable shape with five consecutive wins, while Aston Villa has experienced a mixed run with two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five games.
Expected line-ups for the match include Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Fabinho, Curtis Jones, Salah, Gakpo, and Luis Diaz for Liverpool, and Martinez, Young, Konsa, Mings, Moreno, Ramsey, Kamara, Luiz, McGinn, Buendia, and Watkins for Aston Villa.
Considering Liverpool's unbeaten streak at home, a closely contested match can be expected. Liverpool has frequently secured narrow victories in their last four home wins, and they will likely be difficult to overcome for Aston Villa. A scoreline of 2-1 in favor of Liverpool seems a plausible outcome given their current form and determination.
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