Premier League 2021-22: Liverpool vs Aston Villa Match Preview
Liverpool host Aston Villa at Anfield for Saturday’s Premier League fixture. The game will mark the return of Liverpool Legend Steven Gerrard.
Gerrard is currently managing Birmingham-based Aston Villa and are currently on a good run of form. Saturday’s fixture at Anfield is talk of the town as the game is more about the former Reds Captain’s return to his former club.
Meanwhile, for Liverpool, it is another Premier League game in which Klopp’s men will push for a win. The Reds are currently second with just one point behind champions Man City.
Klopp and Co. will face the Midlands club after the back of a last-minute winner against Wolves and a commendable win at San Siro mid-week. While the visitor had a thumping win at Leicester which saw Gerrard getting better off his former manager of Liverpool.
Liverpool vs Aston Villa: Match Preview
Liverpool are currently above Chelsea and one point adrift of the defending champions Man City. Moreover, the Reds on a bounce of six wins after loss at West Ham in which they have scored 17 goals and conceded just twice.
Meanwhile, Villa have transformed into a mean and clinical side under former Ranger’s manager Gerrard.
As per Opta stats Villa are facing fewer shots and have become deadly with their own attempts under Gerrard compared to Smith. And Gerrard will be aiming to continue the team’s charming form at Anfield on Saturday.
On the other side, Jurgen Klopp will be a happy man and would welcome Gerrard with open arms on Saturday. But on the pitch during the 90 minutes, the Reds will want to win against their Former Captain.
Liverpool are currently on a different level and have outclassed almost everyone so far. Each and every win turns out to be a new record for the club. And most importantly this season, the fringe players have performed well when called which is something quite rare sighting for a club.
A tough task lies ahead for former Scottish Championship winner Steven Gerrard. Growing up in Merseyside and spending almost all of his playing career for Liverpool, it definitely will be an emotional return for Stevie G. However, it could be a long dreadful 90 minutes for him and his Villa side on Saturday.
But tbh, Liverpool fans are a bit confused ahead of their reunion with club legend Gerrard. Not a usual sighting to see their club icon without the Liverpool crest on his chest at Anfield.
Team News
Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott will continue to be absent from first-team action. However, the good news for the Reds is that Roberto Firmino has returned to training ahead of time for this clash. But it is unlikely he might feature in this game although if the situation demands Klopp won’t hesitate to put him on the field.
Meanwhile, Naby Keita and Joe Gomez have recovered from their injuries. Although both are expected to be on the bench.
Diogo Jota is likely to start again and join Salah and Mane in the frontline. But not to forget, Origi has also convinced Klopp he can start games and can make an impact after scoring consecutively in the last two games.
With first-team key players Jordan Henderson, Thiago, Van Dijk, Fabinho, and Robertson are surely to return at starting eleven after Klopp’s numerous alterations in the mid-week at San Siro.
Liverpool probable starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Jota, Mane.
Liverpool vs Aston Villa: What Anfield Home Predicts
Steven Gerrard has already vowed to try to keep himself out of the spotlight as he prepares to return to Anfield. And it is expected that the Midland club will compete with their full strength.
But with the current form of Liverpool and the return of some key first-team players after resting in the mid-week, the Reds will be ready to put up an electrifying display against Villa.
A 2-1 win is expected from Liverpool on the so-called emotional return of Gerrard to Anfield.
