England Premier League
Tuesday 10th May 2022
Kick off at 8pm BST
Venue: Villa Park
Match Preview:
Aston Villa will be the underdogs of course in this midweek game but they have got form and have gone their last 3 games without defeat. At the weekend Steven Gerrard’s side beat Burnley 3-1 away from home in an impressive result for the club given that Burnley have everything to play for as they are fighting for survival but Villa looked at their best, that result followed a routine 2-0 win over Norwich.
Villa are in 11th place with 43 points and they will be eyeing a top half finish, currently the club are just three points shy of that position which Brighton hold but have 2 games in hand over the Seagulls.
But let’s talk about Liverpool because with all due respect this game will be all about the Reds, win, lose or draw the headlines will be all about Jurgen Klopp’s side. At the weekend Liverpool could only draw 1-1 with Tottenham, normally a draw isn’t a huge problem but up against this Manchester City side it can be the difference between winning a league and blowing it. With City beating Newcastle on Sunday it means that with the same games played City have taken a 3 point lead over Liverpool with 3 games left to play.
Liverpool’s title bid has certainly been dented and what also has to be factored in is that City has a goal difference of +4 so in effect a four point lead. Liverpool in short need to win this game and even a draw could spell the end for them. The recent draw against Tottenham feels like a defeat then but Liverpool haven’t lost a game in the Premier League since December but such has the standard been risen by City that it won’t matter and unless we see another twist in the tail Liverpool won’t win this league title. On the road the club have the 2nd best record in the league having won 37 points from a possible 51 with 11 wins from 17 games and they have scored the most goals on the road with 41 so far.
Team News:
Aston Villa: Leon Bailey still looks like a major doubt with his ankle injury but is being tipped to return before the end of the season. Kourtney Hause has a muscle injury with no specified return date.
Liverpool: The club has no new injuries ahead of this game, and the one player missing, Roberto Firmino, could return for this game but will have to be assessed due to a lack of match fitness.
Aston Villa vs Liverpool Head to Head:
Last season Aston Villa recorded an historic record over Liverpool destroying them 7-2 at home.
The last time the clubs played at Villa Park was in the FA Cup last year and Liverpool won 4-1.
Earlier in the season in the reverse fixture Liverpool won 1-0.
Liverpool have won 7 games from the last 10 against Villa.
Aston Villa vs Liverpool Prediction:
Jurgen Klopp will need his side to be on the ball from the first minute because we haven’t seen Liverpool at their best for a few games now, not in the early stages of games. Look at the Merseyside derby many expected Liverpool to overpower Everton and even though they won the game Everton remained dangerous and the clubs went in 0-0. The Villarreal game in the Champions League was won but not after a terrific scare as the Spanish side came back in that tie. Against Newcastle it was a narrow victory and Tottenham managed their game well at Anfield so the Reds really need to impose themselves in games again.
Aston Villa of course has the Steven Gerrard connection, it’s a strange moment really as Gerrard a die hard Liverpool fan and former legend for the club will want them to win the league but everyone needs to act as professionals and Villa do pose a threat. However we don’t think the league will be virtually over by Tuesday and will back Liverpool to get the win. There does have to be question marks over their recent performances though, some will claim they are still good, but being just good isn’t good enough for a club like Liverpool.
Aston Villa vs Liverpool Betting Tips:
Asian handicap (-1 Liverpool) at 1.70
Anytime goalscorer: Sadio Mane at 2.25
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