Aston Villa v Liverpool: Preview, Team News and Predictions
Aston Villa and Liverpool restart their Premier League journey for the season with a highly-anticipated fixture at Villa Park on Boxing Day.
The World Cup held at the wrong time of the year could be best argued from these two sides, who were picking up pace and credence at the right time.
Unai Emery has been more than just a breath of fresh air, having infused tactical astuteness, defensive discipline, and results among other positives.
The hope of a third consecutive win for the first time since March measures the impact of the former Arsenal boss, who has led the Villans to a run that saw them leapfrog a few bottom-dwellers, courtesy of three victories in four outings. This is already more than what they managed in their final 15 games under Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.
The Reds, meanwhile, have won eight of their last nine PL matches against Villa. The solitary one they lost in this frame of time? A 7-2 drubbing that remains fresh in the minds of many.
Jurgen Klopp’s side may have lost 3-2 to Manchester City in the EFL Cup, but played the game at a very high tempo, providing the impression that the two sides were never away. They came back to restore parity twice, only to finally succumb to an eventual 58th minute winner from Nathan Ake.
Currently seven points off fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool will relish this opportunity to gather longed-for momentum ahead of the season’s second half.
Team News
Aston Villa
Philippe Coutinho could face a late fitness test ahead of this opportunity to rediscover his touch against his former employers. On the contrary, Danny Ings – with four goals in as many appearances – will be lining up against Liverpool. Astonishingly, he’s been directly involved in 10 goals from 12 matches against sides he’s previously played for.
Aston Villa’s World Cup superstar Emiliano Martinez will enjoy some extra time off, making Robin Olsen the immediate favourite to deputise in his absence.
Meanwhile, Diego Carlos and the homegrown Jacob Ramsey are out of contention.
Liverpool
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp provided a detailed update on his roster.
Starting off with James Milner – who has featured in 14 Boxing Day matches previously – Klopp announced that the midfielder will be out for a couple of weeks at least, due to a hamstring issue.
Roberto Firmino is another key player on the side lines, as he is currently nursing a calf injury. The game came too soon for Ibrahima Konate, who featured in the World Cup final for France.
Predicted XI
Aston Villa probable XI (4-3-3):
Olsen; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; McGinn, Luiz, Kamara; Coutinho, Ings, Bailey
Liverpool probable XI (4-3-3):
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Elliott, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Carvalho, Nunez
Match Prediction
Liverpool’s high line could be exposed by a productive counter-attacking approach from Aston Villa. Vertical passing, link-up between the two strikers and the aim to isolate the centre-halves or sling passes between them could breach the Reds’ back line.
Regardless, we believe the visitors will be too good for the Midlands side and ultimately return with all three points.
Predicted score: Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
-Roy Akarshak
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: Rodhullandemu. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.