Aston Villa vs Liverpool: Premier League match preview

Paul Lambert’s side are desperate for goals. His team face a daunting four-game spell now with Liverpool up first before Championship flyers Bournemouth visit for the FA Cup fourth round, before Villa go to the Emirates Stadium before hosting Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea.

In between all that, the transfer window offers the struggling midland club an opportunity to bolster their attacking threat. Attacking midfielder Charles Gil, signed from Valencia, could make his debut at the weekend and provide Villa with some flair in front of goal.

Liverpool are not struggling as such, enjoying one of their best runs this season. With Raheem Sterling well rested after missing the Sunderland trip due to a holiday break, Brendan Rodgers will look to add another three points to give his side another sniff at a possible top four chance.

Liverpool could go sixth on Saturday if Tottenham fail to beat Sunderland, while West Ham don’t play till Sunday.

Elsewhere, Villa sit in 13th but are by no means comfortably clear of the relegation places. QPR in 19th are just three points off Lambert’s side.

Stewart Downing grabbed the winner the last time Villa prevailed on home turf against the Reds, while Joe Cole was part of the visiting squad who lost that day in May 2011. Only Fabian Delph remains from that starting XI.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 3pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Liverpool 0 Aston Villa 1 (Agbonlahor), Premier League, September 2014

Liverpool 2 (Sturridge, Gerrard) Aston Villa 2 (Weimann, Benteke), Premier League, January 2014

Aston Villa 0 Liverpool 1 (Sturridge), Premier League, August 2013

STATS…

Aston Villa have won just once in their last 17 home meetings in all competitions against Liverpool, drawing five and losing 11.

In the last eight encounters, results have been shared with three wins each and two draws, however just one of those wins was for a home side.

Villa have netted just once in their last six Premier League games.

Liverpool have won four of their last five in all competitions.

Villa have scored the least goals in the English football league this season (11).

Liverpool have lost just one of their last seven games in all competitions.

Of Liverpool’s five goals in 2015, four have been scored by Steven Gerrard. The former England captain has also scored in three of the last five fixtures between the two teams.

ODDS…

Aston Villa to win: 5

Liverpool to win: 1.9

Draw: 3.6

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.25pm