Aston Villa vs. Liverpool Predictions: Reds looking to bounce back at Villa Park

Liverpool suffered a slight setback in their chase for the league as they dropped two points at home to Spurs on Saturday. They fell behind despite dominating large periods of the game and a deflected effort was enough to help the secure a point that could yet prove to be crucial.

The game at the weekend went exactly as you’d have expected, Spurs sat in and invited the home side to come forward. Facing this type of approach seems to be Klopp’s side only flaw, and it is very rare that a team is well drilled enough to execute such a plan against Liverpool’s rampant attack, so I’m expecting them to return to winning ways thus Tuesday.

Steven Gerrard’s results since taking charge have been mixed to say the least. The team are safe from relegation and will have no doubt turned their attentions to next season already. The club have completed some good business in the transfer market of late and they will be looking to continue that this summer. However, they are in danger of taking a thumping here if they’re not fully focused on finishing the season strongly.

Leon Bailey and Kortney Hause are injured for the home side, while Roberto Firmino is the only absentee for the visitors.

Manchester City’s 5-0 demolition of Newcastle means that losing out on the title due to goal difference is a very real possibility for Klopp’s side. This has only happened once before in Premier League history and Liverpool will be keen to avoid having to swallow that bitter pill. As a result, I’m expecting them to approach their final games with all guns blazing.

Liverpool should let the shots fly in this one as they look to eat away at City’s advantage and they have had a boat load of shots in the recent meetings with Aston Villa. Their last 3 meetings have seen Liverpool manage 20, 23 and 29 shots. Also, Liverpool are averaging over 17 shots per game in their last 10 league matches.

Shots will also mean that Gerrard’s side have a good amount of goal kicks. Villa have had 10 goal kicks or more in their last 3 meetings with Klopp’s team, and Liverpool opponents are averaging over 9 goal kicks per game in their last 10 matches.

This is the same angle that won us our best bet on the Spurs match at the weekend. I know it’s slightly boring to go again but if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.

For the longer odds bet, I’ll be adding a tackles angle that offers us some value. Liverpool had 17 tackles when these sides met earlier in the season and they are averaging over 16 tackles per game in their last 10 matches in all competitions. Aston Villa opponents are also seeing good tackle numbers of late, with their opponents averaging 16.5 in their last 10 matches.

I’m also increasing the shot and goal kick lines form our main bet to give us a healthy price here.