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United States Liverpool vs Aston Villa prediction: How will Premier League fixture play out today?
'Gerrard will definitely manage Liverpool' Klopp on Stevie's return to Anfield
Follow all the action as Liverpool host Aston Villa in the Premier League this afternoon.
The match marks the return of Steven Gerrard to Anfield, where he will be guaranteed a raucous reception from the Kop. However, a club legend could very well be a thorn in Liverpool’s side, with Villa in resurgent form since Gerrard succeeded Dean Smith. Villa have won three out of four games since the 41-year-old took charge, with their only defeat coming against leaders Manchester City.
Liverpool have been in terrific form, though, and trail City by just one point in the title race. They were made to work extremely hard last weekend but Divock Origi’s last-gasp winner eventually ensured the Reds of all three points against Wolves and, with top spot already sealed in their Champions League group, a heavily rotated starting eleven still managed to defeat AC Milan on Tuesday. Jurgen Klopp made sure to hail Gerrard’s progress as a manager in the build-up to what will be an emotional homecoming and said he is certain the former club captain will one day lead Liverpool from the dugout too. Follow all the latest updates below after the end of Man City vs Wolves:
- Kick-off at 3pm
- Steven Gerrard’s return to Anfield
- LIV XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mane
- AVL XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Nakamba, Luiz; J Ramsey, Watkins, A Young
Jurgen Klopp spoke about Steven Gerrard’s return to Anfield today and said that Liverpool would be giving it their all to win the game:
He will come here and want to win the football game. Before [the game], nice shake hands, after, nice shake hands - in between we will go full throttle and he will go full throttle.
“It’s not easy for a world class player to become an outstanding manager but it’s possible. It looks absolutely like Stevie has all the skills you need and I’m really happy for him.”
Michael Jones11 December 2021 14:56
Mo Salah scored in all three appearances against Aston Villa last season. He has been directly involved in 22 league goals this season, a Premier League record after 15 matches and has 13 goals and nine assists.
Michael Jones11 December 2021 14:53
It was the type of game against mid-table opposition at the Etihad that Manchester City typically make light work of and this victory, earned by the 100th Premier League goal of Raheem Sterling’s career, will keep the defending champions at the top of the table this weekend, no matter what happens elsewhere. City were good value for their win, too, improving considerably in the second half.
Yet that improvement and the three points only came once Wolverhampton Wanderers had been reduced to 10 men by one of the most ridiculous, self-inflicted sendings-off you are likely to see this season for Raul Jimenez, while the winning goal only came from a debatable penalty that summed up an inconsistent, at times unauthoritative display by referee Jonathan Moss.
Overall, this was a forgettable affair, and only Jimenez’s bizarre red card warrants committing to memory. At the end of the first half, after already being cautioned for a questionable foul on Rodri, Jimenez refused to move out of the way for the subsequent free-kick then immediately intercepted it, inviting Moss to show him a second yellow and a red.
Wolves’ game plan up to that point had produced a dour, lifeless first half that was nevertheless frustrating City’s attempts to break them down and ultimately working in their favour. Jimenez’s sending off ripped that blueprint up and City proceeded to rip Wolves apart, eventually taking the lead through Sterling and dominating against 10-man opponents in a manner not reflected by the 1-0 scoreline.
Mark Critchley was at the Etihad Stadium:
Karl Matchett11 December 2021 14:49
Steven Gerrard is fully focused on Aston Villa’s attempts to win today’s clash at Anfield but says it always brings a smile to his face when he returns to his former club:
Everyone in that stadium will know me well enough to know what I’m about and what I’m going to Anfield for.
“I’m going back to a club where I spent many years and it brings a smile to my face for a couple of reasons.
“One, I’ve got a good relationship with a lot of people at the club. I had a fantastic time there, a really good journey, I’m a local boy.
“It was the team I supported growing up and I will always support that team.
“But at the same time it brings a smile to my face because I’ve got the opportunity to go there and compete against a good team and a good manager and try to win the game. That’s my only focus.”
Michael Jones11 December 2021 14:49
Aston Villa have won three of their four Premier League games under Steven Gerrard, as many as they had in 11 attempts under Dean Smith this season.
Only Southampton have lost more Premier League matches in 2021 than Villa’s tally of 19.
Michael Jones11 December 2021 14:44
Liverpool have earned four consecutive Premier League victories and are the only side still unbeaten at home in the top flight this season. On top of that they have scored in 25 successive Premier League games.
Michael Jones11 December 2021 14:42
The question hadn’t reached its tail end yet but in the absence of hesitation, Steven Gerrard interrupted with the answer.
“Hiding my emotions at times,” he offered, citing his primary personal challenge in the early months of transitioning from player to manager at Liverpool’s academy.
In four years, that initial poser has evolved into a proud strength. He has mastered the art of using his fervour to electrify and gain full buy-in from his players.
Michael Jones11 December 2021 14:40
Liverpool have won six of the last seven Premier League meetings between the teams, scoring at least twice in all seven matches.
Aston Villa have lost their last three league games at Anfield, most recently due to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s stoppage-time goal in April.
Last season there were 17 goals in the three encounters between the sides with Aston Villa winning a memorable game at Villa Park 7-2.
Michael Jones11 December 2021 14:37
Reaction to come from the Etihad Stadium but the focus moves to Anfield where Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa are taking on Liverpool. Here’s a reminder of the line-ups:
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Thiago; Salah, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mane
Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Targett; McGinn, Nakamba, Luiz; J Ramsey, Watkins, A Young
Michael Jones11 December 2021 14:34
90+4 mins: Manchester City win courtesy of Raheem Sterling’s penalty kick. It was just one of many strange incidents during the game and Wolves will feel hard done by. Manchester City dominated throughout and it’s hard to argue that they didn’t deserve to win but on the other hand Wolves probably didn’t deserve to lose.
Michael Jones11 December 2021 14:29
