Ollie Watkins axed and Jadon Sancho starts in three changes – Aston Villa predicted XI vs Liverpool
Aston Villa will be hoping to win a fifth consecutive Premier League game when they head to Anfield on Saturday to take on struggling Liverpool.
Villa shocked in a 1-0 win over Manchester City on 26 October thanks to a first-half strike from Matty Cash.
The result lifted the Villans to eighth in the table in what has been a terrific turnaround from their difficult start to the season.
While Villa are not the favourites against Liverpool, given that the season is still young and there’s everything to play for, Unai Emery will be hoping to claim all three points on Saturday.
Ollie Watkins benched after anonymous game vs Man City
Ian Maatsen could replace Lucas Digne against Liverpool after coming on as a substitute against Man City.
The left-back is strong going forward and could be the perfect man to trouble Connor Bradley, who has had a quiet start to the season.
Meanwhile, Amadou Onana is expected to retain his spot in the starting lineup alongside Boubacar Kamara and Morgan Rogers.
Indeed, Onana was excellent against Pep Guardiola’s side, winning six out of seven ground duels, according to Sofascore.
- Onana completed 98 per cent of his passes against City
- He made three clearances and one interception
- He blocked four shots
As a result, Emery will be relying on the defensive midfielder to contain Mohammed Salah in the same way he stopped Erling Haaland.
Jadon Sancho replaced Emi Buendia against Manchester City, who was seen on crutches after the game.
The Manchester United loanee has struggled with fitness since arriving at Villa Park, making just two appearances in the league this season.
His game against the Citizens went just about how you’d expect from a player not at peak fitness. He completed just one dribble, 88 per cent of his passes and missed one big chance.
However, with Buendia likely sidelined and Liverpool’s inconsistent form, this could be the perfect opportunity for Sancho to be named in the starting lineup and make a statement.
Furthermore, Ollie Watkins has netted just one goal for the Villans in the Premier League this season, in what has been a slow start for him.
Indeed, against Man City, he was anonymous once again, taking just two shots in 86 minutes and making one key pass.
As a result, Emery could be tempted to replace Watkins with Donyell Malen against Liverpool and have the 29-year-old come on as a substitute.
- Read more: Jeff Stelling can’t believe what he saw from ‘absolutely phenomenal’ Aston Villa ace in Man City win
Unai Emery’s Anfield record will unnerve Villa fans
Emery’s recent record at Anfield is cause for concern, with him failing to win there in his last three games. Indeed, Liverpool have triumphed twice, while one match ended level.
However, the Reds have won just one of their last five games in all competitions, which is no doubt good news for Villa fans.
Arne Slot’s side is in a monumental slump despite lifting the Premier League title last season. As a result, just like they did against Man City, Villa could shock a few sceptics on Saturday.
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