Verdict: Away win
Finest odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Unibet
Liverpool have the prospect to open up a commanding 10-point lead on the Premier League summit on Wednesday evening after they face Aston Villa.
Arne Slot’s facet surpassed the 60-point mark with a tense 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on the weekend, whereas their hosts have been left annoyed after being held to a 1-1 draw by struggling Ipswich City.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa prolonged their unbeaten run at Villa Park to 12 matches in all competitions over the weekend, however a irritating 1-1 draw with 10-man Ipswich City felt extra like a defeat for Unai Emery’s facet.
Regardless of Axel Tuanzebe’s early dismissal, Ipswich took a shock lead via Liam Delap, just for Ollie Watkins to equalize after Marcus Rashford’s free kick hit the woodwork. Villa threw every little thing ahead however have been repeatedly denied by Ipswich debutant Alex Palmer, leaving them six factors adrift of the ultimate Champions League spot.
Whereas successful this season’s match might supply one other route into subsequent 12 months’s competitors, Villa’s latest type – simply two wins in seven outings – doesn’t resemble that of European champions. Furthermore, their defensive frailties persist, with no clear sheet in eight house video games.
Including to their considerations, Villa’s 2-0 loss at Anfield in November prolonged their winless streak in opposition to Liverpool to 9 matches, a run courting again to their unforgettable 7-2 triumph in 2020.
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Unai Emery’s defensive woes persist, with Boubacar Kamara compelled off simply 16 minutes into the draw with Ipswich. Whereas the Villa boss stays hopeful that the difficulty shouldn’t be critical, Kamara is now anticipated to affix Pau Torres (ankle), Ross Barkley (calf), Ezri Konsa (unspecified), Amadou Onana (thigh), and Matty Money (unspecified) on the sidelines.
Leon Bailey’s availability additionally stays unsure after lacking the weekend’s match, however there may be some aid for Villa, as Tyrone Mings has recovered from a minor knee drawback and will exchange Kamara on the again. In the meantime, Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is in line for his first begin after one other promising cameo off the bench.
Liverpool
Nonetheless feeling the consequences of their intense Merseyside derby conflict, Liverpool almost let a snug lead slip in opposition to Wolves on Sunday however in the end held on for an important three factors.
Luis Diaz’s unconventional opener off his midriff was adopted by Mohamed Salah’s calm penalty, however the league leaders grew more and more careless within the second half. Matheus Cunha’s beautiful 20-yard strike rewarded Wolves’ persistence, and Liverpool didn’t register a single shot on track after the break, a primary for them in a Premier League half at Anfield since data started.
Regardless of their struggles, Arne Slot’s facet restored their seven-point lead over Arsenal, who usually are not in motion till Saturday. A win on Wednesday would see Liverpool prolong their benefit to double digits, reinforcing their place on the prime.
Nonetheless, a tricky run of fixtures looms, beginning with this journey to Villa Park earlier than a showdown at Manchester Metropolis and a house conflict with Newcastle. Enhancing their away type shall be essential, as Liverpool have gained simply two of their final seven matches on the street in all competitions. That mentioned, they continue to be unbeaten within the Premier League away from house this season.
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Cody Gakpo stays sidelined after taking a heavy knock within the draw with Everton, with Arne Slot confirming that the Dutch ahead will even miss the journey to Aston Villa.
Joe Gomez (hamstring) is unavailable as effectively, however Curtis Jones returns from suspension and will exchange Dominik Szoboszlai as Slot rigorously manages squad rotation throughout a demanding two-week interval.
Darwin Nunez and Kostas Tsimikas may come into the beginning XI, although Mohamed Salah is anticipated to retain his place. The Egyptian is one help away from reaching double digits away from house within the Premier League this season, a feat beforehand achieved solely by Cesc Fabregas and Muzzy Izzet.
Conclusion
Each groups shall be seeking to enhance on their latest performances as they put together to face one another, and regardless of Aston Villa being often robust at house, the standard of Liverpool ought to show ample for the Merseysiders to proceed marching in direction of their twentieth league title.
Verdict: Away win
Finest odds: 17/20
Bookmaker: Unibet