TipStar: Liverpool vs Aston Villa preview and prediction

Liverpool's Darwin Nunez, right, celebrates with teammate Liverpool's Mohamed Salah after scoring during the English Premier League soccer match between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage stadium in London, Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)

Liverpool welcome Aston Villa to Anfield on Saturday afternoon (5pm) as the curtains close on their last home spectacle of the 2022-23 Premier League campaign. The Reds, riding a wave of seven consecutive victories, have their sights firmly set on a place in the top 4, sitting a point behind Man United in fifth, although having played a game more.

Liverpool are almost impenetrable at Anfield, undefeated in 11 home encounters. They have amassed a staggering 29 points out of a possible 33, with the Reds emerging victorious 13 out of their 18 home games.

Meanwhile, Unai Emery, seeks a breakthrough against Liverpool after failing in seven consecutive encounters. Aston Villa have lost their last two matches away from home. However, they have won nine out of their last 13 games.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni, File)

Aston Villa have also scored in 25 consecutive games. When the pair met in the reverse game, Liverpool won 3-1.

Team News

Liverpool:

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is optimistic Roberto Firmino will recover from a muscular injury in time to play his final Anfield game, but Naby Keita's status is uncertain. Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, and Calvin Ramsay are all out with hip, adductor, and knee injuries respectively. Darwin Nunez is nursing toe problem and is doubtful. Curtis Jones, Jordan Henderson and Fabinho are expected to start on midfield. Mohamed Salah is expected to get on the scoresheet and will probably lead attack alongside Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz.

Aston Villa:

Aston Villa will be without Philippe Coutinho after the Brazilian picked up an unspecified injury. Matty Cash is expected to return after recovering from a calf problem, while Calum Chambers is also expected to travel despite an illness. However, Jed Steer is expected to miss the match with a calf injury, while Leon Bailey is also doubtful after reportedly picking up a knock in training. Emiliano Buendia and Ollie Watkins should lead the line for the Lions, with Boubacar Kamara a likely option for Emery in midfield.

Liverpool form (Last six Premier League games): WWWWWW

Aston Villa form (Last six Premier League games): WDWLLW

Liverpool possible starting XI:

Alisson Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Robertson; Jones, Fabinho, Henderson, Diaz, Gakpo, Salah

Aston Villa possible starting XI:

Martinez, Moreno, Young, Konsa, Mings, Ramsey, McGinn, Kamara, Douglas Luiz, Watkins, Buendia.

STANDARD TIPSTAR PREDICTION: Liverpool 3-1 Aston Villa

Liverpool have been in excellent form recently, winning seven consecutive games in all competitions. They will be looking to secure a win that will keep them in contention for a place in Europe next season. We envisage an exciting Liverpool win HOME WIN, but would not rule out Aston Villa bagging a goal based on their record in the last 25 games.