There is plenty on the line for both teams as Aston Villa prepare to host Liverpool on Friday night in their penultimate English Premier League match.
A win for either side here is enough to confirm a place in next season’s Champions League. Both sides come into the game with 59 points, with Liverpool a spot above Villa in fourth owing to a better goal difference.
Both sets of managers have had identical Premier League campaigns – winning 17, losing eight and drawing another 11 matches.
It’s been a poor title defense from Arne Slot’s side who can only battle for a top four finish, while Villa still have the chance at silverware in the Europa League final against Freiburg on May 20.
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Villa had to settle for a point in an entertaining 2-2 draw against already relegated Burnley in their last outing. Liverpool were also held by Chelsea in a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Which of these sides will confirm their place in Europe next season with a win here? We have a look at both sides and offer our predicted outcome.
What time does Aston Villa vs Liverpool start?
The match kicks off at 10PM E.A.T at Villa Park.
Aston Villa vs Liverpool team news
Emiliano Buendia and Douglas Luiz came off the bench at Burnley but are expected to return to the starting XI here, replacing Ross Barkley and Victor Lindelof.
The rest of the side is not expected to change with John McGinn and Morgan Rogers on either side of Buendia in the midfield.
Ollie Watkins scored his 12th goal of the league campaign in the draw at Burnley and will continue to lead the attacking line here.
The visitors remain without Mohamed Salah and youngster Rio Ngumoha could start here after a string of electric performances.
Cody Gakpo is expected to get the nod ahead of Alexander Isak up front, despite only scoring seven goals this season.
No other changes are expected from the side that started against Chelsea last weekend.
Aston Villa vs Liverpool head-to-head and current form
The hosts come into the game on the back of a rather unconvincing run of form. Villa have lost three of their last five games, though they have snapped that to go two games unbeaten.
Liverpool on the other hand, are without a win in their last two games. The Merseyside victory at Everton and home win against Palace are their only two wins in their last five games.
The reds have not lost to Villa in their last five head-to-head matches, winning three of them – including a 2-0 victory in the reverse fixture last November.
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Current form:
Aston Villa – DWLLL
Liverpool – DLWWL
Aston Villa vs Liverpool previous games
Aston Villa vs Liverpool prediction
It’s been 18 years since there was a goalless affair between these two sides and we can expect at least a couple of goals here as well.
Villa have won three of their last home games, while Liverpool have lost four of their last five games on the road. Therefore, the hosts carry an advantage and the odds favor them to win.
Prediction – Aston Villa to win – CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR BET ON THIS GAME!