League-leaders Liverpool travel to Villa Park on Saturday following a dramatic victory over Arsenal in the EFL Cup.
With the score tied at 5-5 after 90 minutes, the Reds beat the Gunners on penalties to cap off a remarkable evening at Anfield.
James Milner converted a first-half penalty before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain rifled in a stunning long-range effort against his former club. A late brace from Divock Origi took the game to penalties. Young goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher saved Dani Ceballos’ spot-kick, while Liverpool scored all five.
Jurgen Klopp fielded a seriously young side in midweek with a number of teenagers involved. The German is likely to revert back to a far stronger team on Saturday.
Liverpool are unbeaten in the league this season having won nine and drawn one of their ten games so far. They boast the joint-best defensive record in the division and sit six points clear of second-place Manchester City.
On the other hand, Aston Villa are down in 15th. After a slow start, Dean Smith’s side appear to be picking up a bit of momentum. Villa beat Norwich and Brighton before losing to Man City last time out.
Like Liverpool, Villa also picked up a win in the EFL Round of 16 in midweek. Goals from Anwar El Ghazi and Ahmed Elmohamady handed Villa a deserved victory over Wolves. Club captain Jack Grealish sat out of the match with an injury, but he is expected to be fit for Saturday’s clash.
Grealish has been Villa’s standout performer this season, netting four goals and registering four assists so far. Conor Hourihane and Wesley also have four goals to their name, while John McGinn has also caught the eye.
As for Liverpool, Naby Keita went off injured against Arsenal in midweek, so it’s unclear whether he will feature on Saturday. Defender Joel Matip is likely to still be unavailable.
Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane both have five league goals this season, while Roberto Firmino has scored three and assisted three.
Liverpool thrashed Villa 6-0 in the last meeting between the two teams back in 2016, and Villa haven’t beaten the Reds in the league since 2014.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are set for another victory this time around as Liverpool go in search of their first ever Premier League title.