Premier League Champions Liverpool welcome struggling Aston Villa to Anfield. It will be the Reds’ first home game since becoming champions. However, Jurgen Klopp will demand a response from his side after a lackadaisical display against Manchester City.
Liverpool were well beaten as City laid down a marker for next season. Liverpool’s opponents Aston Villa are fighting for their lives in the relegation battle and desperately need a win. The Villains have collected just two points from their four games since the restart.
Liverpool Welcome Struggling Aston Villa to Anfield
Jurgen Klopp Will Demand a Response From His Liverpool Team
The Champions had been impressive this season until they turned up at the Etihad Stadium. The Reds looked like they had been partying the night before. It was a laboured performance as City bulldozed the champions.
Jurgen Klopp will demand a response he targets a strong finish to the season, starting against Villa. The Reds return to fortress Anfield for the first time since winning the Premier League.
Klopp named his strongest eleven at the Etihad Stadium, and it’s likely he will name the same side. The German was hugely unhappy with his team’s performance at Manchester City. His players looked like shadows of their former selves at times. Klopp may decide to rotate with the games coming thick and fast. However, due to the manner of Liverpool’s defeat, Klopp will most likely name the same eleven.
The Reds will be without Joel Matip remains out injured. Joe Gomez was substituted at half-time in the defeat at the Etihad, meaning he could drop to the bench this weekend.
Liverpool should be back to their rampant best after a disappointing display. It could be a long afternoon for the team from the second city.
Desperate Times At Aston Villa
Aston Villa head to Anfield in all sorts of trouble at the wrong end of the table. They remain in the bottom three, having collected just two points from their four games since the restart.
Dean Smith’s side have improved defensively in the four matches, but goals and creativity are eluding his team. Villa have lacked punch and when Jack Grealish is quiet, they struggle offensively. The pressure is starting to mount on Dean Smith and his team with games running out.
With counter attacking their most likely route to success, Smith may opt to recall wingers Anwar El Ghazi and Trezeguet. Both started on the bench against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Smith preferring two up top.
However, they will be missing Matt Targett, who limped off against Wolves. Neil Taylor is likely to replace him. Smith may recall the likes of John McGinn and Frederic Guilbert to the starting eleven, although the latter hasn’t featured since the restart due to injury.
Previous Meeting
Liverpool left it dramatically late at Villa Park back in November. Despite an outstanding display from his team, Dean Smith watched Liverpool score two late goals. Andrew Robertson and Sadio Mane completed Liverpool’s comeback after Trezeguet gave Villa an early lead.
Prediction
A tough afternoon looms for the visitors. Jurgen Klopp will expect a response from his team. Prior to that defeat, the Reds were looking imperious. Expect Liverpool to be at it from minute one.
Visitors Villa are in desperate need of points but their form is rotten. The Villains are winless since the restart and are winless in eight league games – a run that stretches back to January. Any positive result at Anfield will be a huge plus for the visitors.
Liverpool 3-0 Aston Villa
Main Photo
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