Liverpool looked long shots to secure Champions League football for much of this season but seven wins in a row has seen them narrow the gap between them and Newcastle and Manchester United, who currently occupy third and fourth respectively.
The Reds will probably need to win both of their remaining games if they are to land a top-four spot and they won’t have everything their own way when they face Aston Villa, who are on the European trail themselves.
The Villans have won nine of their last 13 matches to draw level on points with Tottenham in the race for seventh place, which would grant a place in the Europa Conference League next season. You can place your bet here
Liverpool’s struggles earlier in the season primarily came from their poor form on the road, they have been typically solid at Anfield this time around, losing just one of their 18 home matches in the league this season and 13 wins from that run.
In contrast with that is the poor away form of Unai Emery’s side, who have suffered back-to-back defeats on the road against Manchester United and Wolves, taking their total of away defeats this season to eight.
However, the Villans have been in rock-solid form in general and have plenty to play for with the prospect of a first European campaign since 2010/11 if they finish seventh.
The Reds will also be bang up for this clash with an unlikely shot at a Champions League position on the cards and an enthralling encounter could follow.
While Liverpool have impressed in recent weeks they haven’t been without their defensive issues this season and they could be vulnerable to an Aston Villa attack that has been in good form as of late.
Unai Emery’s men have scored in 23 of their last 25 games and are fancied to get on the scoresheet once more when they take on the Reds, particularly given the fact that both teams have found the net in five of the last seven league meetings between this pair.
When the pair met in the reverse fixture Liverpool ran out 3-1 winners and a repeat of that scoreline is a distinct possibility. Aston Villa could keep things competitive for much of the clash but Liverpool’s class may just tell later on and they are fancied to win a game in which both teams could find the net.
For those looking to back a player to land on the scoresheet, it may pay to play it relatively safe and side with Mo Salah. The Egyptian has netted 19 times in the league this season and as the Reds penalty taker could get plenty of joy at Anfield once more.
