After midweek Carabao Cup triumphs, Aston Villa meet Liverpool at Villa Park as the Reds look to maintain or increase their gap at the top.
Victory for Villa could lift them up into the top half of the table whilst depending on what happens to Manchester City, Liverpool could restore their nine point lead.
Team news
Embed from Getty ImagesJack Grealish could be available for Aston Villa after a knock kept him out of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win over Wolves.
Henri Lansbury and Keinan Davis are both doubtful with cramp, although there are fears that Davis could be out with a hamstring injury.
Jota (groin) however remains ruled out but could feature next weekend against Wolves.
Liverpool could be without Naby Keita after the midfielder suffered a knock during Wednesday’s Carabao Cup thriller against Arsenal.
Mo Salah and Virgil Van Dijk are amongst those who could be recalled after being rested in midweek, despite struggling with concerns over a respective ankle injury and dead leg.
Nathaniel Clyne and Joel Matip are still absent with knee injuries but Xherdan Shaqiri could return after the international break from his calf injury.
Form
Villa are unbeaten in their last four home games across all competitions but have lost two of their last five league games, which came away to Arsenal and Manchester City respectively.
Liverpool are still unbeaten in the league with nine wins plus a draw, although they have conceded in eight games with their two clean sheets coming away from home at Burnley and Sheffield United respectively.
Stat Attack
- Aston Villa have taken just four points from their last seven league meetings with Liverpool (W1, D1, L5).
- Keinan Davis is the sole survivor from the last Villa squad to face Liverpool in February 2016, which the Villains lost 6-0 at home.
- Wednesday’s 5-5 draw was the first time that Liverpool had conceded five goals under Jurgen Klopp, whilst also marking the first time that they had conceded at least five goals since losing 6-1 at Stoke in May 2015.
- Allison has made just one punch in three league games for Liverpool this season, whereas Adrian has made three punches in eight appearances.
- No Villa player is yet to hit the woodwork more than once this season.
Prediction
Villa put up a valiant fight at Man City last weekend with just three moments of magic undoing them, which is a positive sign coming into another tough game.
Liverpool’s defence however is there is be prodded and poked about until it is unlocked, so if Villa can maintain their new found attacking intent then they might get something but I can’t see past a comfortable Reds win eventually.
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-3 Liverpool
Result: Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
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