Villa lost to Newcastle 5-1 to start their season. Liverpool just beat Newcastle with 10 men. That alone is pretty convincing stuff. Add to it that the Reds are 8-1-1 in their last 10 vs. Villa, are unbeaten in their last 13 at home and unbeaten in their last 14 in the EPL and you have the makings of a tough outing at Anfield for Villa. Two of four of the top predictors pick Liverpool in this one while the other two call for a high scoring draw.
The problem is, Villa have played Liverpool tough at Anfield. Only ManU and Chelsea have more wins at Anfield. Watkins has 5 goals vs. Liverpool which is tied for his highest tally against an EPL club. Villa has averaged 3 goals/game in their last 6. Liverpool has endured extended periods of serious pressure in all of their EPL matches this season. Villa has the firepower to take advantage of that especially with van Dijk and Konate out and Alexander-Arnold’s vulnerabilities revealed by being moved to midfield for England due to defensive deficiencies. Liverpool is vulnerable. Take the goals on offer for Villa and you win if the draw happens and are covered if Liverpool sneaks out a one goal miracle again.