Liverpool vs Aston Villa
It turns out that Liverpool’s last home game has a lot more riding on it than we might have expected a month or so ago.
Back in April, the Reds were well adrift of a top four place but they have dragged themselves back into Champions League contention with a spectacular run of results.
Equally, visitors Aston Villa began the season hoping to settle into mid-table comfort. But under the guidance of Unai Emery, they have put together a string of results which keeps their European dram well and truly alive.
Liverpool vs. Aston Villa is one of the weekend’s big Premier League games because, if outcomes elsewhere go their way, the Reds could actually finish the day in third place.
But Villa will have other ideas, because they can finish the weekend as high as sixth if their rivals slip up.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool come into the game on the back of a clinical 3-0 win away to Leicester, while Aston Villa beat Europa rivals Spurs 2-1. And the Premier League 2023 betting odds are going for a home win, but the Reds will need to be at their best to beat a dangerous visitor.
Talking Points
Will Liverpool’s late charge be enough?
Apart from the Reds, only Manchester City have won their last six games. But this impressive run may have come too late for Jurgen Klopp’s men who still trail Manchester United by a point, and the Red Devils have three games left.
If they win two of their last three games against Bournemouth, Chelsea, and Fulham, then Erik ten Hag’s team will be uncatchable.
They can also hunt down Newcastle United, who are on the same points as Manchester United but with a much better goal difference. However, the Liverpool players will try to put that out of their minds and concentrate on getting more positive Premier League 2023 results.
The Reds were at their ruthless best on their visit to Leicester on Monday night, and they will be full of confidence and determination in front of a packed Anfield crowd.
Farewell to Firmino
With 19 goals and 11 assists, Mohamed Salah has once again led the Liverpool line superbly, but it may be one of his old striking partners who will take centre stage at Anfield on Saturday.
Klopp has said that Roberto Firmino should be available for selection, and the fans favourite will likely play some part in this crunch match.
The Brazilian forward is ready to leave Merseyside after nine successful years, during which he was part of the best front three in the world alongside Salah and Sadio Mane, now at FC Bayern.
He has not played since the 6-1 thrashing of Leeds United in April, but Firmino did travel with the squad to Leicester on Monday night.
He’s scored 80 goals in 254 games and has picked up winners medals in the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup, and there will not be a dry eye in the house if and when he takes to the pitch on Saturday.
Villa’s Europa dream is still alive
Seventh place will likely be enough to grab a European place next season and Aston Villa are right in there, currently eighth but level on points with seventh-placed Spurs who look as flaky as ever.
The Villains responded to back-to-back away defeats to Wolves and Manchester United with a fine display at home to Tottenham as goals from Jacob Ramsay and Douglas Luiz saw off the Whites who scored a 90th minute consolation through a Harry Kane penalty.
Ollie Watkins, with 14 goals from 35 games (and six assists), and Ramsay form a lively front two and, with the ever dangerous John McGinn on the flank, the Villains will test the Reds’ defence.
History
The Reds have had the upper hand in the head-to-heads, winning 34 of the 57 encounters in the Premier League era, while Villa have won 13 and there have been 10 draws.
Liverpool won the return match 3-1 with Salah scoring an early goal to put the Villains on the back foot, and that was Pool’s fifth win in a row in this fixture.
With a home record of 13 victories, four draws, and one defeat, Klopp’s men have made Anfield a fortress once again, breached only once by Leeds United back in October
Betting Tip
The Reds have been ahead at half time in each of their last four games, so I’m backing them to nudge ahead by the break again. 2-1 is the most likely scoreline at SBOTOP odds of 6.56 and, while I expect Liverpool to win in front of their passionate fans, they will do well to keep a clean sheet.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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