Aston Villa host Liverpool in their first home game of the season. Aston Villa have had to play 3 games in the past week and so far Villa have defeated Arsenal 3-1 but lost 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. Liverpool got off to a winning a start by defeating Stoke City after Sturridge’s goal. Both sides have improved their squads over the summer transfer window and so far have kept key forwards Benteke and Saurez. This is also both Rodgers and Lambert’s second season in charge, meaning that expectations have risen. Liverpool will look to snatch a Champions League spot with Aston Villa hoping for a top table finish.
Liverpool will most likely play with the same team that started against Stoke, the only possible change is at left-back where new loan signing Sissokho could play instead of Enrique. Paul Lambert may make a few changes following two games in less than a week, Okore may be given a starting 11 spot following his good performance against Chelsea.
Team News:
Aston Villa are still without Nathan Baker who has an ankle injury, N’Zogbia is still out following an injury obtained during the summer break. Chris Herd has returned and has an outside chance of being involved with the squad. Ciaran Clark is also available following some head wounds against Chelsea
Liverpool are only without striker Saurez who continues to serve his 10-game ban.
Facts:
Christian Benteke scored three goals against Liverpool in the Premier League last season; more than any other player against the Reds.
Benteke has scored eight goals in his last eight Premier League appearances at Villa Park.
Since he made his Premier League debut, Liverpool have had a higher win percentage without Luis Suarez in their side (64 per cent) than they have with him (39per cent) in the competition.
Likely-Lineups:
Guzan
Lowton-Vlaar-Okore-Luna
El Ahmadi-Westwood-Delph
Weimann-Benteke-Agbonlahor
Sturridge
Aspas-Countinho
Gerrard-Lucas-Henderson
Johnson-Toure-Agger-Enrique
Mignolet
Predictions:
Aston Villa 1-1 Liverpool
I think that Aston Villa can get a result, it could be a win, but following a tough game against Chelsea. Liverpool have an edge in terms of fitness. I hope Lambert makes a few changes, but I don’t think he actually will. Liverpool played well, there issue was scoring and not so much creating, but this should be Liverpool’s first real test in this Premier League season.
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Benteke was Aston Villa’s best player over the first game week with 18 points.
The top 5 best teams in the league:
1. Mattsonvilla = 106
2. Villastone fc = 98
3. Adam’s Monsters = 97
4. Go on my son = 96
5. Can’t catch me = 95