Liverpool aim to maintain winning magic against Aston Villa
Liverpool will be aiming to continue their winning start to the 2020/21 Premier League season when they take on Aston Villa.
Reigning Premier League champions Liverpool will be action this Sunday for the final time before the international break when they face off against Aston Villa in the final game of matchday four at the Villa Park.
Villa, having survived relegation by the slimmest of margins last season, have made a solid start to their Premier League campaign. Dean Smith’s side has picked up two wins in two, first defeating Aston Villa 1-0 before following it up with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Sheffield United last week.
In fact, in five matches in all competitions this term, the Villans have racked up four victories, losing one. Although, the defeat did come in their most recent fixture against Stoke City in the Carabao Cup.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have begun the defence of their Premier League crown in style, racking up impressive victories against Leeds United (4-3), Chelsea (2-0) and Arsenal (3-1). Although the Reds did lose their latest encounter – a penalty shootout defeat against the Gunners in the Carabao Cup, they will still be the favourites going into Sunday’s game.
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The corresponding fixture last season saw Aston Villa almost pull off an upset win, only for two late goals from Andrew Robertson and Sadio Mane to spoil the party and clinch a 2-1 win for Liverpool. And ahead of their latest meeting at Villa Park, The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the two teams.
The good news for Aston Villa is that captain and star man Jack Grealish is fit and available for selection, after having recovered from a knock. Kortney Hause is a doubt for the game, while Wesley, Tom Heaton, Orjan Nyland and Bjorn Engels are all ruled out with injuries.
There is no looking past Emiliano Martinez in goal, with the ex-Arsenal man making a brilliant impact since joining the club earlier this summer. He will be shielded by the centre-back duo of Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings.
New signing Matty Cash is the obvious pick at right-back, while Matt Targett should slot in on the left. The duo will have their task cut out against Liverpool’s wide forwards.
Douglas Luiz will hold the fort in the middle, with support coming from Conor Hourihane and John McGinn, who will have the license to push forward and join up in the attacking phases. New signing Ross Barkley, who has arrived on loan from Chelsea, could get some minutes from the bench.
Grealish is an undisputed starter on the left flank while Trezeguet will slot in on the right. The duo will look to make the most of the spaces left behind by Liverpool’s attack-minded full-backs. Spearheading the Aston Villa attack will be summer arrival, Ollie Watkins.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Luiz, Hourihane; Trezeguet, Watkins, Grealish