Prediction: Aston Villa vs Liverpool

21st May 2011

Aston Villa ended their relegation worries with an impressive win at the Emirates, so they are hoping to build on that result when they host Liverpool. The Reds lost at home to Tottenham and thus allowed Spurs to dislodge them from fifth place in the standings, but a win over Villa would be a perfect end of the promising season.

Having encountered numerous problems this term and having been very close to the relegation zone just few weeks ago, everybody at Aston Villa would be very happy with the finish of the season. The Villans have ended the poor run of results in the best possible time, as they beat Arsenal at the Emirates, although we have to say they were lucky to pick up all three points after Arsenal largely dominated the proceedings. It is more than clear that this season’s performances have been way below the team’s standard and that the squad will have to undergo major changes if Villa were to challenge for European places next season, while the game against Liverpool will be a perfect test for Gerard Houllier’s team. Having won just of last four home games, Aston Villa don’t really have much reason for optimism, especially since Liverpool will be very motivated to end the season with a win. For the first time after quite a while, Aston Villa will be at full strength.

The mere fact that Liverpool have secured European qualification following the dismal first part of the season shows how impressive the Reds have been under Kenny Dalglish. The Kop hero completely rejuvenated the squad and helped the players restore the lost confidence, which proved to have been the key problem under Roy Hodgson. The fact that King Kenny was forced to make do without Gerrard, Agger and Torres, with several youngsters in the starting line-up and few players being played out of positions makes the whole achievement even more impressive. Following the impressive run of results, Liverpool made a slip-up last weekend as they lost at home to Tottenham, so you can imagine the Reds will be very motivated to return to winning ways. Steven Gerrard, Martin Kelly, Daniel Agger, Fabio Aurelio and Milan Jovanovic continue to miss out.

Conclusion

Going into this game on the back of the victory at the Emirates, Aston Villa will be hoping for another success, but that is easier said than done considering their latest performances. Liverpool are unlikely to be destabilized by the Tottenham defeat and they should have enough in them to win this game.

Verdict: Away win Liverpool (2)

Best Odds: 11/8

Bookmaker: Paddy Power