Liverpool face bottom placed Aston Villa in the Premier League fixture on Sunday. The Reds just managed a draw in their last game against Sunderland at home, after taking a two-goal lead, while Aston Villa won their last game 2-0 against Norwich.
Jurgen Klopp’s team have dropped in the bottom half of the table, and desperately need a win against relegation favourites Aston Villa. Daniel Sturridge might get his first start, and that should bring some relief for Jurgen Klopp and the Liverpool fans.
Kickoff and Live Telecast
Channel: Star Sports 4 & Star Sports HD 4
Date and Time: 23 January, 18:15 IST
Venue: Carrow Road
Team News
Aston Villa
Remi Garde’s side have a few injury concerns. Young Jack Grealish suffered a knee injury during training on Wednesday, and is ruled out of the game. Libor Kozak, Adam Traore, and Jordan Amavi are long term injury concerns.
Rudy Gestede, Carlos Sanchez, and Alan Hutton are all doubtful the game, as they face late fitness test, while Jordan Ayew is suspended for the game.
Liverpool
Liverpool finally have a few important players back from injury. Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho made their comeback from injuries against West Ham United in the FA Cup, while Roberto Firmino is also expected to return in the starting XI after being rested in the last game.
Jon Flanagan might also get his first league start, after returning from a really long injury recently, while the likes of Martin Skrtel and Joe Allen remain out with injuries. Dejan Lovren is also a doubt for the game, as he faces a late fitness test.
Probable Lineups
Aston Villa(4-4-1-1): Bunn; Richards, Okore, Lescott, Cissokho; Bacuna, Gueye, Westwood; Gil, Veretout; Agbonlahor
Liverpool(4-2-3-1): Mignolet; Clyne, Toure, Sakho, Flanagan; Emre Can, Henderson; Lallana, Firmino, Coutinho; Sturridge
Form
The home team have won two games in their last 5 fixtures. Their two wins coming at home against Crystal Palace and Norwich, while they also managed a draw against Leicester City at home.
They also managed a draw in their away game against West Bromwich Albion, while they lost 2-0 in their last away trip to West Ham United. Remi Garde’s desperately need a change of fortunes if they want to stay in the Premier League next season.
Last 5 Matches: W-D-D-L-W ( Last match: Aston Villa 2-0 Norwich)
Liverpool
It’s surprising Liverpool have managed fewer points than Aston Villa in their last five league games. The Reds have managed just one win against Norwich City, while they lost to Manchester United at home, and away to Leicester City.
They’ve also managed a couple of draws against Arsenal and Sunderland. Jurgen Klopp’s team could also do with some luck, as star players return from injury, and now would be a good time to get some crucial wins.
Last 5 Matches: D-L-W-L-D ( Last match: Liverpool 2-2 Sunderland)
Key Stats:
- Liverpool have won their last four away trips to Aston Villa.
- Aston Villa have lost four of their last six Premier League meetings with Liverpool.
- Daniel Sturridge has four goals to his name in his last three games against Aston Villa in the Premier League.
No team have conceded more goals from corners than Liverpool this season (8).
Key Battles:
There are few strikers as good as Daniel Sturridge, when he is fully fit. Liverpool look like a different team everytime Sturridge is on the pitch, and his sheer ability to regularly find the back of the net highlights his importance to the team.
If Daniel Sturridge and Philippe Coutinho combine well, they can be lethal, and Aston Villa should be well aware of that. Lescott must defend the spaces well, and he must make sure Sturridge is not allowed too much time and space on the ball inside the penalty box.
Roberto Firmino vs Jores Okore
The Brazilian star has proved his critics wrong, after his recent brilliant performances. Firmino has five goals and two assists to his name in his last five league appearances, and is starting to make a name for himself in the Premier League.
Playing in an advanced position has definitely helped him to get the goals, but the trio of Firmino, Coutinho and Sturridge could be a game changer for Liverpool. Okore should be at his best throughout the game, to stand any chance of keeping a clean sheet against Liverpool.
Prediction
Liverpool have a few big names returning, and they have enough firepower to beat a bottom placed Aston Villa side.
Aston Villa 1-3 Liverpool
Betting Odds (bet365)
Aston Villa – 4/1
Draw – 13/5
Liverpool – 5/6
