- Aston Villa’s recent form: W1, D1, L3 in the last five competitive matches.
- Liverpool’s recent form: W3, D1, L1 in the last five Premier League games.
- Liverpool have beaten Aston Villa once and drawn once in the two head-to-heads played in 2025-2026, while Villa have failed to win either of these matches.
Villa and Liverpool to play off against each other
Aston Villa and Liverpool are set to play each other on Friday when the top-five Premier League sides meet at Villa Park. Liverpool currently occupy fourth place in the table with 59 points from 36 games, one place above Villa, who are level on points but behind on goal difference.
Arne Slot has been the mastermind behind Liverpool’s excellent season, as the Dutch manager’s possession-based, pressing style has reinvigorated his new team. Slot’s hybrid 4-2-3-1/4-3-3 system has allowed Liverpool to be a dominant force in possession, while their ability to press the ball when triggered allows them to be a serious force when out of possession, too.
Aston Villa’s style under Unai Emery has been much more rigid, with the Spaniard favouring a compact mid-block, patient build-up play and vertical transitions when winning the ball back. Villa have regularly favoured a 4-2-3-1 system which morphs into a 4-4-2 when out of possession, with Emery’s tactical flexibility a key factor behind their excellent domestic campaign.
Pace and intensity the theme of this clash
Emery’s men come into this game after a superb 4-0 home win over Nottingham Forest in the Europa League, while Liverpool lost 3-2 away at Manchester United before the international break, then drew 1-1 with Chelsea at home last weekend.
Villa’s last two games (W1, D1) and Liverpool’s last two away (W1, L1) suggest that this game should be open and attacking, with both teams capable of scoring and both needing the win. The main selection for this Premier League encounter will be over 2.5 goals (12/25) and both teams to score (43/100), while the better odds for an away win at 133/100 make it a clear choice for the correct score prediction.
Ollie Watkins has 12 Premier League goals in 35 appearances this season and remains Villa’s most clinical forward, while Hugo Ekitike has 11 in 28 for Liverpool and provides a consistent threat for his side.
