Matt Maher analysis as Aston Villa continue Premier League winning run
How Aston Villa are expected to lineup against Liverpool in a challenging encounter at Anfield
Aston Villa enter the encounter as one of the in-form teams of the division. They have won all of their last four matches against City, Tottenham, Fulham and Burnley, and barring a shock defeat to Go Ahead Eagles in Europe have shown signs that they can return to the Villa of last season after a lacklustre winless start to the campaign.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s season has almost gone in the exact opposite direction to Aston Villa. They were scoring goals for fun at the start of the campaign and seemed to establish an almost invincibility complex by scoring numerous last-minute winners. However, that force-field seemed to disappear at the end of September and they are now remarkably on a four-match losing streak in the league while suffering defeat in six of their last seven matches across all competitions.
Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is likely to see this as the perfect possible time to face the defending champions, but he’ll be under no illusions to how difficult a trip to Anfield can be, with Villa’s last victory at this ground coming all the way back in 2014 when Gabriel Agbonlahor grabbed the winner.
Aston Villa predicted line-up vs Liverpool: goalkeeper and defence
GK: Emi Martinez: Argentina international Emi Martinez starts between the posts. He’s been one of the top performing goalkeepers in the division for a number of years now and is starting to show signs of returning to his best after a prolonged summer transfer saga.
RB: Matty Cash: Polish defender Matty Cash was the match-winner against Manchester City last time out. He’s enjoying a fine individual season and looks to be growing from strength to strength at this moment in time.
CB: Ezri Konsa: After helping Aston Villa to clean sheet against Manchester City it’s hard to see either Ezri Konsa or Pau Torres being dropped. Konsa’s recovery pace in particular will be crucial against the formidable Hugo Ekitike.
CB: Pau Torres: The experienced defender retains his starting position ahead of Tyrone Mings after a commanding display last time out.
LB: Lucas Digne: Aston Villa have performed well with a settled back four in recent weeks and it’s hard to see Ian Maatsen getting in ahead of Lucas Digne at this moment in the season.
Aston Villa predicted line-up vs Liverpool: midfield and attack
CM: Amadou Onana: The former Everton man has been excellent since returning from a hamstring problem and has brought real physicality to Aston Villa’s midfield. He’s likely to play as Youri Tielemans continues to nurse an injury.
CM:Boubacar Kamara: A reliable presence in the middle of the park. Boubacar Kamara is once again enjoying a fine season in central midfield.
CAM: Morgan Rogers: England international Morgan Rogers is getting much closer to his best after a weak start to the campaign. He’s a crucial source of creativity and someone that could make a real difference at Anfield.
RM: Donyell Malen: The only change from Aston Villa’s winning team at Manchester City sees Netherlands international Donyell Malen replace the injured Emi Buendia. He’s picked ahead of Evann Guessand on current form, with Harvey Elliott not able to play against his parent club.
LM: John McGinn: Scotland international John McGinn remains a massive player for Aston Villa. His tireless workrate and tenacity will be crucial at Anfield as he looks to win the battle against international teammate Andrew Robertson on the opposing side.
ST: Ollie Watkins: He’s not hit his stride yet this season, but Ollie Watkins remains one of the most reliable goalscorers in the country. He’ll lead the line and will hope to take advantage of Liverpool’s recent shaky defensive record.
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