Premier League Picks Matchweek 4: Liverpool vs. Aston Villa
Liverpool (4th) vs. Aston Villa (7th)
PREMIER LEAGUE PICKS MATCHWEEK 4: LIVERPOOL VS. ASTON VILLA — Here we are again for another exciting weekend of Premier League football. Last week saw a few of the Big 6 sides down late, but all of them successfully managed to come back and avoid defeat. Nothing was as spectacular as Liverpool’s comeback against Newcastle, though. I don’t care what team you pull for; that was just incredible.
Just like last week, Liverpool plays on Sunday, but this time they are back at Anfield against an Aston Villa side that is playing rather well and has taken six points from a possible nine. I don’t see Villa’s defense stopping Liverpool, but I also see the speed of Ollie Watkins and the runs of Matty Cash exposing an extremely vulnerable Liverpool defense. This should be an exciting match with some goals to please us all.
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LIVERPOOL
Liverpool looked to be in shambles last week against Newcastle. Trent Alexander-Arnold was booked early with a yellow and mere minutes later was lucky to stay on the pitch after an uncalled-for foul. Within three minutes of each other, Liverpool found themselves down a goal and down a man. However, Jurgen Klopp’s tactics with 10 men kept them in the game and an incredible substitution in Darwin Núñez saw Liverpool get all 3 points in a thrilling 2-1 victory.
Liverpool currently sit in fourth place in the table and have been impressive this season. However, the defense still can’t figure out how to keep a clean sheet. It’s going to be even more difficult for them this week, because Virgil Van Dijk is unable to play due to a red card suspension and his center-back partner Ibrahima Konate is also out with an injury. Liverpool will likely line up defensively with Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right, Andy Roberston on the left, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez paired in the middle, and new signing Wartaru Endo playing the No. 6 holding midfield role.
ASTON VILLA
Aston Villa currently sit 7th in the Premier League table. In their match last week, Aston Villa defeated Burnley 3-1 in pretty routine fashion. Villa found themsleves up 2-0 within 20 minutes, and although they conceded a goal, they never really seemed in danger of losing.
Aston Villa have been at all ends of the spectrum so far this season. They got thrashed 5-1 against Newcastle but have bounced back with consecutive victories. However, those two wins came against a pair of strong candidates for relegation this season. Villa will have their work cut out for them this weekend as they travel to Anfield against a Liverpool team that, although not pretty at times, seems to know how to get the job done.
PREMIER LEAGUE STANDINGS
HEAD TO HEAD
MATCH PREVIEW
Date: Sunday, September 3, 2023 at 9 AM EST
Pitch: Liverpool – Anfield, Liverpool, England
Current PL Form: | Liverpool (DWW) | Aston Villa (LWW) |
Last PL Match: | Newcastle United 1-2 Liverpool | | Burnley 1 – 3 Aston Villa |
Draft Kings Moneyline Odds: | HOME: -155 | TIE: +340 | AWAY: +340 |
PROP BETS
| Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Total Goals (-175) |
Five of the past six encounters between these two teams has seen both teams find the back of the net. Also, both teams have scored in all three of both Liverpool’s and Aston Villa’s Premier League games this season.
With Liverpool’s defense thin due to injury and suspension, I do think that Aston Villa will score. However, there is no way Liverpool will be held to a clean sheet. Liverpool have scored in 13 straight Premier League games, but they’ve also conceded in five straight.
| Darwin Núñez to Score Anytime (+130) |
All eyes have been on Mo Salah this week concerning his potential move to Saudi Arabia. But Liverpool seem determined not to sell.
However, all eyes will be on Darwin Núñez this Sunday, as he is expected to start after his cameo performance against Newcastle. Darwin has a way of getting behind defenses and creating chances out of nothing. His confidence has to be at an all time high at the moment.
https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1696523598033469607?s=20
Video By: Twitter (@LFC)
TIPS
- Liverpool will be without Thiago Alcantara due to injury and Virgil Van Dijk due to a red card suspension.
- Aston Villa will be without a minimum of six players. Key players to note are Emiliano Buendía, Jacob Ramsey, Leander Dendoncker, and Tyrone Mings.
- Liverpool have won nine of their last 11 matches against Aston Villa in the Premier League but were held to a 1-1 draw at Anfield last season.
- Only Chelsea and Manchester United have defeated Liverpool at Anfield in Premier League matches more frequently than Aston Villa.
THE WORD
Liverpool have completely revamped their midfield. But no matter how permeable their backline might appear to be, the Reds remain a huge threat on the attacking end of the pitch, especially at Anfield. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have already proven their worth. Alongside the likes of Liverpool’s front three, this lineup will more than likely create a lot of chances.
Aston Villa finished top seven last season and have shown vast improvement under Unai Emery. Although riddled with injury, Villa can still produce a lineup that can hold their own. Liverpool are better on paper, however, and should be able to grab all three points heading into the international break.
