This week’s evening kick-off sees table-toppers Liverpool face Champions League chasers Aston Villa at Anfield. In this fixture last season, the Reds came out on top with a comfortable 3-0 victory.
By Matt Smith
Diogo Jota remains on the treatment table
As Arne Slot’s side prepare to face Villa, they will be without Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, who has already missed their previous five fixtures. Slot recently confirmed that he’s expected to return after the international break, but the Dutch manager has plenty of options to choose from in attack.
Federico Chiesa is also expected to remain on the treatment table and could also return after the two-week hiatus. In the Champions League during the week, Luis Díaz netted a second-half hat-trick, so he has built a case to keep his place.
The Reds are in fine form
Slot’s start to life at Anfield has likely gone better than he could ever have imagined. Liverpool currently sit top of the Premier League table, two points clear of Manchester City, and it’s not by chance. The Merseyside outfit have created 18.4 xG in their 10 games while also producing more big chances (37) than any other side.
Scoring goals has rarely been an issue for Liverpool considering the attacking options they have, but their defensive solidity has improved drastically this term. The Reds have conceded fewer goals and xG than any other side in the Premier League this season.
Emery boosted by double return
In recent weeks, Unai Emery has seen two long-term absentees return to action in Boubacar Kamara and Tyrone Mings. The Villa duo have been forced to watch from the stands for a significant period after both picking up serious knee injuries.
Emery is likely to be without both Matty Cash and Ross Barkley, but other than that, the Spanish manager has a strong squad to pick from ahead of Villa. Mings and Kamara both started in the Champions League during the week, building up their fitness ahead of Saturday.
Creativity has to improve
Although the Villans are battling for the top-four places once again this season, Emery will be desperate to see more from his side in the final third. The Midlands outfit are defending well, but they’ve created just 15.4 xG.
One player who is becoming a key cog in Emery’s machine is Youri Tielemans. Although playing in a deeper midfield role, the Belgian international has provided three assists this season, creating 22 chances as he’s given plenty of freedom in the middle of the park.
Liverpool too hot to handle
Villa are undoubtedly one of the toughest teams to face in the Premier League at the moment, but taking points off Liverpool is a difficult task. The Reds are in fine form, losing just once this term, so a home win shouldn’t be a surprise. A 2-0 Liverpool win is my prediction with Díaz likely to be involved in the goalscoring after his impressive display during the week.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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