Premier League champions Liverpool will take on relegation threatened Aston Villa at Anfield on Sunday.
Liverpool were crowned champions of England after Manchester City’s loss against Chelsea last week. The Reds faced Manchester City in their first game since sealing the league title. However, Liverpool were thrashed 4-0 at Etihad after being given a guard of honour ahead of the game. This was Liverpool’s fourth away loss from their last five games. However, Klopp’s side have been impressive at Anfield this season. They are 20 points ahead of second placed Manchester City.
Aston Villa are winless in their last nine games in all competitions. Since the restart, the Villans have lost two and drawn two. They recently lost against Wolves home. They are 18th in the league table with just 27 points from 32 games. Dean Smith’s side desperately needs a win to boost their chances of survival this season.
When & Where?
When: Sunday, July 5
Where: Anfield
Time: 4:30pm (GMT)
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Liverpool – (W-L-D-W-L)
The Reds drew against Everton in their opening game of the resumed season. They faced Crystal Palace at home and gave them a 4-0 thrashing at Anfield with Trent, Salah, Fabinho and Mane getting on the scoresheet. They faced Manchester City at Etihad and got a guard of honour from Pep Guardiola’s men ahead of the game. However, City plundered Liverpool’s defence and scored four past them. Liverpool’s dismal away run continues with four losses and one draw from their last five away games.
Aston Villa – (L-D-L-D-L)
The Villans are winless in their last eight Premier League games and have lost against Chelsea and Wolves since the lockdown. They were also held by Sheffield and Newcastle. They have managed to score just two goals in their last five games and have conceded sight goals.
Team News
Liverpool defenders Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip were injured but the Croatian centre-back is ready to return from a minor knock. Matip will be out for the game against Aston Villa and his return is unknown. Shaqiri was injured as well and will be fit to make it to Klopp’s squad list ahead of the Villa game.
Injuries have been one of the key reasons why Villa has been lying in the relegation zone. Key forward Wesley and goalkeeper Tom Heaton are injured and will miss the upcoming game. Defenders Bjorn Engels and Matt Targett are injured as well. Frederic Guilberg is returning from injury and make it to Dean Smith’s squad
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson Becker; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Virgil Van Dijk, Andrew Robertson; Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson; Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane.
Aston Villa (4-1-3-2): Pepe Reina; Frederic Guilbert, Ezri Konsa, Tyrone Mings, Kortney Hause; Douglas Luiz; John McGinn, Jack Grealish, Marvelous Nakamba; Anwar El Ghazi, Mbwana Samatta.
Prediction
Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa
