The taste of revenge and redemption remains the main agenda for Liverpool on their return home fixture against new-found rivals Aston Villa. The match schedules for Saturday at Anfield with kickoff at 6 pm.
Many would say the rain started hitting the Champions following their 7-2 loss to Aston Villa earlier in Villa Park in October. It marked one of their nine defeats this season that leaves them playing catch-up for the top four race.
There were a lot of stakes in the air six months ago when the two sides locked horns. However, the Reds will feel they have much to prove, especially after finding themselves on the wrong end of one of the most remarkable Premier League scorelines of all time.
It was an incredible title defense start to the Reds’ season heading into the fateful day at Villa Park, which boasts of a 100% record of three wins in three. Also, it included back-to-back victories against London sides Chelsea and Arsenal.
In hindsight, it followed what could stand as one of the worst title defenses to retain this season. Injuries started flowing in and out, thus causing strain and adding to a first leg 3-1 loss to Real Madrid.
On the other hand, Aston Villa is having a steady season, currently ninth in the league with 44 points and three points behind Everton.
Liverpool vs. Aston Villa Head to Head
Both sides have 25 games against each other, with Liverpool taking home 13 wins while Aston Villa with seven wins. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Home
Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool
Arsenal 0-3 Liverpool
Wolves 0-1 Liverpool
Liverpool 2-0 RB Leipzig
Away
Aston Villa 3-1 Fulham
Aston Villa 0-2 Tottenham
Newcastle 1-1 Aston Villa
Aston Villa 0-0 Wolves
Liverpool Team News
Klopp confirmed that Naby Keita’s first-half withdrawal against Real Madrid in their midweek fixture was tactical and not injured. Eyes remain on the second leg at home against Real Madrid, but the match remains important for getting Champions League football. Roberto Firmino will get a straight start in the lineup.
Aston Villa Team News
Steve Bruce remains out with a new injury setback, who missed out the last seven games with a shin injury. Wesley is another injury-scare for the team, having missed out the entire season with an ACL injury.
Prediction and Odds
The reverse fixture proved that anything could happen this fixture and their home form coupled with Villa’s away record.
Liverpool Win
Goals Over 2.5
First to Score: Liverpool