Aston Villa Vs. Liverpool Prediction: The Reds' Sweet Record At Villa Park

JAKARTA - Liverpool will try to widen their lead at the top of the standings to 10 points against Aston Villa in the Premier League match which was held on Wednesday 19 February or Thursday morning WIB. Arne Slot's side just won 2-1 over Wolverhampton Wanderers, while hosts Aston Villa were only able to draw 1-1 against Ipswich Town.

Liverpool have now collected more than 60 points and strengthened at the top of the table, while Aston Villa is in ninth place with six points behind the Champions League zone.

Liverpool came into this game with high confidence after a narrow win against Wolves. The Reds took a 2-0 lead in the first half through Luis Diaz's goal and Mohamed Salah's penalty. However, they almost lost the lead after Matheus Cunha scored a spectacular goal from a distance of 20 meters.

Liverpool then had to endure desperately to secure three points, especially as they didn't record a single shot on target in the second half a record that rarely happened to a team of their class.

These results make Liverpool again seven points ahead of Arsenal, who will only play this weekend. The victory over Aston Villa will further strengthen their position at the top of the standings with a difference of 10 points.

However, this match is not the only tough challenge waiting for Liverpool. After facing Villa, they will have a big match against Manchester City at Etihad on Sunday, February 23, before returning to Anfield to host Newcastle United on February 26.

On the other hand, Aston Villa still maintains an unbeaten record at Villa Park in the last 12 games in all competitions. However, the draw against Ipswich, which played with 10 people, felt like a defeat for Unai Emery and his team.

Villa even fell behind after Liam Delap scored for Ipswich before total Watkins equalized with an easy goal after Marcus Rashford's free kick hit the bar.

Villa's three-point failure has left them even more behind in Champions League ticket hunting, especially with inconsistent performances in recent weeks. They have only won twice in the last seven games in all competitions and failed to record a clean sheet in the last eight home games.

In addition, they also have a bad record against Liverpool. Anfield's 2-0 defeat last November extended their winless streak against the Reds to nine matches since a phenomenal 7-2 victory in 2020.

Player Condition

Liverpool are still waiting for the latest news regarding the condition of Cody Gakpo, who suffered an injury from a hard impact during the Merseyside Derby against Everton. The Dutchman was not included in the squad against Wolves, and Arne Slot still hopes he can return on time for this match.

On the other hand, Tyler Morton (shoulder injury) and Joe Gomez (hamstring injury) have been ruled out. However, Curtis Jones returns from suspension and has the opportunity to replace Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield. Darwin Nunez and Kostas Tsimikas can also have the opportunity to play from the start minutes as part of the squad's rotation.

Mohamed Salah remains a mainstay on the front lines. The Egyptian only needs one more assist to reach 10 assists in this season's Premier League away game, a record previously achieved by Cesc Fabregas and Muzzy Izzet.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa is still hit by an injury crisis. Boubacar Kamara is confirmed to be absent after being withdrawn in just 16 minutes against Ipswich. Pau Torres (injury injury), Ross Barkley (chip injury), Ezri Konsa (undisclosed injury), Amadou Onana (her thigh injury), and Badminton Cash (undisclosed injury) are also still undergoing treatment.

Leon Bailey was also in doubt of appearing after being out last weekend, but there is good news with further Mings' return from a minor knee injury. The England defender has the potential to replace Kamara in the back line. In addition, Marcus Rashford is predicted to have the opportunity to start for the first time since joining Villa from Manchester United as a loan player.

Aston Villa was tough while playing at home, but the injury crisis in defense could be a gap that Liverpool exploited. The Reds have a sharper attack line, especially with Mohamed Salah's return who has been impressive since recovering from injury.

Liverpool also have a very good record in away games this season, with the status of the only unbeaten team in the Premier League away game this season. Taking into account the record meeting and the current conditions of the two teams, Liverpool is predicted to come out victorious in this match.

Aston Villa (4-2-3-1):Martinez; Garcia, Mings, Disasi, Digne; Tielemans, McGinn; Ramsey, Rogers, Rashford; Watkins

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Nunez

Final score prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool.