Liverpool started the season with an unbeaten record. However, coach Jurgen Klopp’s team has not been able to make fans feel secure about both their strength and their playing style. In round 4, the home team at Anfield faced Aston Villa – a team that always knows how to make things difficult for the “big guys”.
Liverpool’s squad right now lacks balance. They have plenty of quality elements in attack even after parting ways with Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane. Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota are enough for coach Jurgen Klopp to rotate.
Liverpool’s problem is very clear, it is the midfield. Their midfield exposed its limitations after parting ways with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson. Rookies Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis MacAllister haven’t had enough time to combine into a solid trio like the old guys.
Liverpool faces a tough challenge against Aston Villa at home at Anfield.
Liverpool luckily escaped the defeat and won 3 points in the previous round. However, one of the important reasons that helped the Anfield team win the match was the opponent’s haste and unreasonable adjustments.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa continued to play stably under the guidance of coach Unai Emery. After losing 1-5 to Newcastle on the opening day, Aston Villa won 4 consecutive matches (in the Premier League and European Cup). Every game, they score at least 3 goals.
The 3-center-back scheme already ensures stability for the defense, but the mobility of midfielders Douglas Luiz and Boubacar Kamara makes Villa’s playing style even more uncomfortable. Meanwhile, the attacking trio of Oliver Watkins, John McGinn and Moussa Diaby are always on standby to launch counterattacks. Liverpool needs to be on high alert when Virgil van Dijk is absent due to suspension.
Expected lineup Liverpool vs Aston Villa
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Gomez, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Endo, Mac Allister; Salah, Jota, Diaz.
Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Luiz; Bailey, Diaby, McGinn; Watkins.
Prediction: Liverpool 1-1 Aston Villa.