Prediction: Liverpool vs Aston Villa

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Unibet

Anfield will host a high-stakes clash on Saturday evening as Liverpool welcome Aston Villa in a meeting of two sides trending in opposite directions.

The reigning champions are in crisis after four straight league defeats, while Villa arrive buoyed by a stunning run of form that includes a victory over Manchester City in the previous round. With both teams level on points and separated only by goal difference, this encounter could have major implications for the top-four race.

Liverpool

Liverpool’s season has unraveled dramatically after a flying start. Arne Slot’s men opened the campaign with five consecutive league wins, but their recent collapse has been stark—six defeats in their last seven games across all competitions, including a 3-0 EFL Cup exit to Crystal Palace. The Reds have not lost five straight top-flight matches since 1953, and that unwanted record looms large.

Despite their struggles, Liverpool remain dangerous in attack. Mohamed Salah is one goal or assist away from equaling Wayne Rooney’s record for most Premier League goal contributions for a single club, while Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo offer creativity and movement. However, defensive lapses and injuries have left the champions vulnerable, and Slot’s tactical tweaks have yet to halt the slide. Anfield, once a fortress, has witnessed rare back-to-back defeats, adding urgency to this fixture.

Expect Liverpool to press aggressively and dominate possession, but their ability to convert chances and maintain defensive discipline will be decisive against a Villa side brimming with confidence.

Team News

Having returned to training from an ankle injury, Ryan Gravenberch has a strong chance of featuring, offering much-needed midfield stability.

Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones, however, remain major doubts, while Alisson Becker (hamstring), Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring), and Giovanni Leoni (ACL) are ruled out. Young defender Amara Nallo is suspended following his midweek red card, though he probably wouldn’t have made the squad anyway.

Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and other key starters are expected to return after being rested in the Carabao Cup.

Aston Villa

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa have transformed their season after a dismal start. Winless in their first four matches, the Villans have now claimed four consecutive league victories, including a statement 1-0 triumph over Manchester City courtesy of Matty Cash’s strike. Their resurgence has been built on defensive solidity and tactical discipline, conceding just eight goals in nine games while finding attacking rhythm after early struggles.

Villa’s confidence is soaring, but history offers caution—they have lost their last 11 Premier League away games against reigning champions and have not won at Anfield since 2014. Still,

Emery’s side will look to exploit Liverpool’s fragility through quick transitions and width, with Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers providing pace and movement. Jadon Sancho could feature in a creative role following Emiliano Buendia’s injury, while John McGinn’s leadership in midfield remains pivotal.

Villa’s ability to maintain compactness and strike on the counter will be key if they are to extend their winning run and pile more misery on the champions.

Team News

Harvey Elliott is ineligible to face his parent club, while Emiliano Buendia is sidelined with a foot injury. Youri Tielemans (calf) and Andres Garcia are also unavailable.

Buendia’s absence opens the door for Sancho or Ross Barkley to start in the forward line. Emery is expected to stick with the core that beat Manchester City, with Matty Cash continuing to impress at right-back.

Head-to-Head: History Favours Reds

Liverpool have dominated this fixture in recent years, winning five of their last six meetings with Villa at Anfield. Villa’s last victory at the ground came in September 2014, while their famous 7-2 win in 2020 remains an anomaly in an otherwise one-sided modern record.

Conclusion

Liverpool’s home advantage and attacking talent make them favorites on paper, but their current form and defensive frailties leave the door open for Villa. Emery’s men are organized, confident, and capable of exploiting transitions, while the Reds are desperate to avoid a historic fifth straight league defeat.

Expect an open, high-tempo contest with goals at both ends. Liverpool’s need for redemption and Villa’s momentum should produce a proper contest.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Unibet