Liverpool vs Aston Villa Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Betting & Prediction

Liverpool will look to get their season back on track when they take on Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

Brendan Rodgers is under immense pressure after the Reds win-less run was extended to six games with a disappointing 1-1 draw with Carlisle in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday.

Liverpool eventually progressed to the fourth round on penalties but the poor display just added further weight to the idea that the Merseysiders need a new change of direction so Rodgers desperately needs a win tomorrow to ease the pressure.

Villa arrive at Anfield in poor form themselves as Tim Sherwood’s side have failed to win in the league since the opening day of the season when they narrowly beat Bournemouth 1-0.

However, the Midlanders did take home all three points in this fixture last season so they’ll be hoping for a repeat performance this time around.

Team News

Liverpool will be without striker Christian Benteke after he was ruled out with a hamstring injury so he’ll miss the opportunity to take on his former side.

Roberto Firmino is also out with a back injury while Dejan Lovren is facing several weeks on the sidelines with ankle ligament damage.

Captain Jordan Henderson will be out for up to eight weeks after undergoing surgery on a broken bone in his foot but Daniel Sturridge will be back in the squad after being rested in midweek.

Villa have a major doubt over striker Gabby Agbonlahor after he was forced off with a calf injury during the midweek win over Birmingham.

Idrissa Gueye is available again after recovering from a hamstring injury but Adama Traore will miss out despite returning to training following an ankle knock.

Likely Line-Ups

Predicted Score

Liverpool 1-0 Aston Villa: Liverpool are low on morale and lacking ideas in attack but Villa are in much the same boat so I think we’ll see the home side edge this one to hand Rodgers a lifeline.

Betting Tips

Liverpool are the 8/15 favourites to win the game and my prediction of 1-0 is on offer at 11/2. I also like the look of Daniel Sturridge to grab the opening goal of the game at 7/2 and if we combine that with a 1-0 win, then we get very tempting odds of 14/1.

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What do you think? What line-up would you like to see start?