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Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has predicted a 3-1 win for the Reds in their Premier League encounter against Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday (May 20).
Jurgen Klopp's side have been enjoying themselves on the pitch in recent weeks and are still in the race for a top-four finish. Since losing three consecutive games earlier in March and April, the Reds have been on a nine-match unbeaten streak.
The Merseyside giants currently occupy the fifth spot with 65 points from 36 Premier League matches. They are just one point behind fourth-placed Manchester United, though the Red Devils have a game in hand.
Aston Villa, on the other hand, are eighth in the table with 57 points from 36 matches and are in the race for a European spot. The Midlands side have been excellent since Unai Emery took over at the club and have won nine of their last 13 games.
However, Mark Lawrenson has tipped his former club to see off the Villans and has predicted a 2-1 win. The former Republic of Ireland defender has also singled out midfielder Curtis Jones for praise for his wonderful showings in recent weeks.
Lawrenson told Paddypower:
"I’ll go for Liverpool to win. It’s interesting that a couple of weeks ago it looked like Curtis Jones had gone backwards but he’s just had a fabulous last three or four games with assists and goals. Liverpool 2-1 Aston Villa."
Liverpool have a strong head-to-head record against Aston Villa, having won nine of their last ten games against the Lions.
Jurgen Klopp heaps praise on Liverpool quartet leaving the club this summer
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hailed the contributions made by Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita to the club.
The Reds announced earlier this week that all four players, who will be out of contract this summer, will depart Anfield as free agents. Klopp is believed to be looking to rebuild his squad following a disappointing season and letting all four go is a clear indication.
However, the German manager has lauded the quartet for their immense contribution towards the club. Speaking at his press conference ahead of the Reds' Premier League clash with Aston Villa, the German tactician said (as quoted by the Liverpool Echo):
"We have time until Monday to give them all the farewell they deserve. Millie and Bobby wouldn't like it if people forget Ox and Naby. Bobby 100% deserves (his reception). But there is time to give them all the farewell they deserve. Millie played an incredible number of games. Same for Bobby."
Klopp also talked about Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain, who have both been very unfortunate with injuries. He added:
"Ox came here as a young talent and became here a great character and real good guy. Naby, everybody knows. We spent a lot of money, a lot of expectations. Because of injuries he couldn't meet all of them. But look at the football he played in his best moments. Played big games, scored big goals."
The quartet won the UEFA Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup during their time at Liverpool.
