Liverpool continue their chase for a top four finish as they welcome Aston Villa to Anfield in the Premier League.
Victory would see Liverpool temporarily rise to fourth for at least a few hours, whereas Villa could go eighth with a win until at least Monday evening when Everton visit Brighton.
Team News
Liverpool have no fresh injury concerns after Tuesday’s Champions League loss at Real Madrid.
Caoimhin Kelleher (abdominal), Jordan Henderson (adductor), Joel Matip (ankle), Joe Gomez, Virgil Van Dijk (both knee) and Divock Origi (muscle) are ruled out.
Villa remain without Jack Grealish after the midfielder suffered a setback in his recovery from a calf injury, which prevented him from returning in their comeback win over Fulham last Sunday.
Kortney Hause (foot) is available but Wesley (fitness) remains absent.
Stat Attack
- Liverpool have lost just one of their last six league games against Villa (W5, L1).
- Villa have taken eight points from their last six visits to Anfield (W2, D2, L2).
- Diogo Jota has scored three goals in his last two appearances for Liverpool, albeit away from Anfield at Wolves and Arsenal respectively.
- Villa’s only away own goal in their favour this season came in their last game on the road at Newcastle last month.
- Liverpool drew their only home game refereed by Paul Tierney this season, holding Manchester United to a goalless draw in mid January.
Prediction
Having failed to build on last Saturday’s positive result at Arsenal with a 3-1 defeat at Real Madrid in midweek, I am intrigued as to what sort of team Jurgen Klopp might put out because his Reds aren’t out of Europe yet as a 2-0 home win on Wednesday would put them through on away goals rule.
Villa meanwhile looked sloppy for much of their win over Fulham last Sunday with Emiliano Martinez often coming to their rescue, before finally clicking in the closing stages up front so I am curious as to what sort of team will turn up here for the visitors.
On that note, it is tough to call this game until we know the team sheets but if Klopp rests key players, this is an opportunity that Villa simply have to take if are to put themselves right back in the race for European football next season and will be buoyed by their 7-2 win in October.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Aston Villa
Result: Liverpool 2-1 Aston Villa
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