Liverpool will welcome Aston Villa to Anfield on Saturday, with the Reds aiming to hold onto their place at the top of the Premier League.
The in-form side, managed by Arne Slot, are undefeated at home this season and are looking to extend their lead, while Aston Villa hope to recover from recent setbacks in both league and European matches after a brilliant start.
Liverpool Recent Form
Liverpool enter this game on a high, having recently demolished Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 in the Champions League and taken a strong domestic lead after overcoming Brighton with a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
This result marked Liverpool's sixth consecutive home win, underscoring their dominant run where they’ve consistently scored at least two goals per match.
Injury and Team News
Liverpool face a few injury concerns, with key players like Alisson Becker (thigh), Diogo Jota (abdominal), and Harvey Elliott (foot) sidelined until after the international break.
Federico Chiesa remains out of the squad, but Arne Slot may reintroduce Darwin Nunez in attack, while Andrew Robertson could reclaim his position at left-back.
Last Liverpool Lineup
Here is how Liverpool lined up for their last match:
Aston Villa Recent Form
Aston Villa suffered a 1-0 loss to Club Brugge in their most recent Champions League fixture, following a 4-1 Premier League defeat against Tottenham.
Villa are currently on a three-game losing streak across all competitions and have yet to register a win against a top-two side away from home since January 2000.
Injury and Team News
Villa manager Unai Emery is also facing lineup challenges, with Matty Cash (calf) and Ross Barkley out, and Tyrone Mings likely to be rested after a challenging performance in midweek.
Pau Torres is expected to bolster the back line, while Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana may take on forward roles to compensate for other absences.
Last Aston Villa Lineup
Here is how Aston Villa lined up for their last match:
Liverpool vs Aston Villa - Who is the Referee and VAR?
Here are the confirmed on-field referees and VAR for the game:
Referee: David Coote.
Assistants: Timothy Wood, Craig Taylor.
Fourth official: Sam Allison.
VAR: Paul Tierney.
Assistant VAR: Sian Massey-Ellis.
Liverpool Player to Watch
Luis Diaz - Fresh from his hat-trick against Leverkusen, Diaz has been pivotal to Liverpool's attack. With his dynamic play on the left, he will be one to watch as he looks to dismantle Villa’s defence.
Aston Villa Player to Watch
Ollie Watkins - Despite Villa’s recent losses, Watkins has been a consistent threat up front and will be vital to Villa's chances of breaking through Liverpool’s defence at Anfield.
Prediction
Given Liverpool’s impressive home form and extra rest before this fixture, they appear well-positioned to secure another win. While Villa may find some chances, Liverpool’s momentum and tactical depth make them favourites.
Our Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Aston Villa
Betting Tips
Tip 1
Both Teams to Score - Yes: Villa have shown resilience in attack, even in tough matches.
Tip 2
Over 2.5 Goals: Liverpool's home form suggests a high-scoring game, with both teams capable of contributing.
Tip 3
Liverpool Win & Over 2.5 Goals: With Liverpool's strong scoring record at Anfield, this offers good value.
