Liverpool vs Aston Villa: Anfield before the storm
Liverpool are in crisis with 4 consecutive losses, standing 7th and 7 points behind Arsenal; Aston Villa have won 4 consecutive matches and scored in the last 9 matches. Hot spot: Salah - Cash, Van Dijk - Watkins. Prediction 2-2.
At 3:00 a.m. on November 2, 2025 (Vietnam time), Anfield is facing a huge wave. The defending champion is losing 4 consecutive matches in the Premier League, facing the risk of losing 5 consecutive matches for the first time since 1953. On the opposite side, Aston Villa marched with high spirits after 4 consecutive victories, including Manchester City.
Background and form: One side is in crisis, the other side is on the rise
Liverpool have been on their worst run of form in decades. Four straight defeats have left them seventh, seven points behind leaders Arsenal. The problem isn’t just the results, it’s the way they operate: high pressing but lacking cohesion in transition.
Unai Emery's Aston Villa have gone the other way, winning against Fulham, Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, and scoring in each of their last nine games. Villa's efficiency in transition has helped them close the gap on goal difference and are now just one place behind Liverpool on goal difference.
Head-to-head history: Haunting when meeting the champion
History is not on the visitors' side: Aston Villa have lost all 11 of their last Premier League games against the reigning champions. However, with their current form, that forgettable streak could be challenged at Anfield.
Tactics and Hotspots: The Midfield and the Two Edges Decide
Liverpool under Arne Slot still prioritizes 4-3-3, high pressing, ball possession and quick transitions. The bottleneck lies in the balance: the midfield lacks protection against counter-attacks, while the defense is unstable.
Aston Villa take a pragmatic and disciplined approach. Solid defending, good corrections and sharp transitions are the hallmarks of Emery. They will look to lock down the home team’s explosive playmakers and exploit the space behind the full-backs.
- Midfield: Gravenberch, Szoboszlai against Onana, Kamara – whoever controls the tempo will shape the match.
- Liverpool right wing: Salah vs Matty Cash; each 1v1 on the wing can open the door of opportunity.
- Central defence: Virgil van Dijk marking Ollie Watkins – a game-changing situation.
Forces: Good news and worries
Liverpool
- Possible return: Ryan Gravenberch (ankle).
- Out: Alexander Isak (groin), Curtis Jones (groin).
- Definite absentees: Alisson Becker (hamstring), Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring), Giovanni Leoni (anterior cruciate ligament).
- Suspended: Amara Nallo.
Aston Villa
- Not eligible: Harvey Elliott.
- Injuries that may be absent: Emiliano Buendia (leg), Youri Tielemans (calf), Andres Garcia (unknown).
- Attacking options: Jadon Sancho and Donyell Malen compete for a starting spot.
Expected lineup
Liverpool (4-3-3):Mamardashvili; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Aston Villa (4-3-3):Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Kamara; Malen, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins
Selected statistics
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Time - Location - Round | 03:00, 11/2/2025 – Anfield – Round 10 |
| Liverpool chain | Lost 4 games in a row; risk losing 5 games for the first time since 1953 |
| Location and distance | Seventh place, seven points behind Arsenal |
| Aston Villa form | Win 4 consecutive matches (Fulham, Burnley, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City) |
| Scoring efficiency | Aston Villa have scored in their last 9 games |
| Special history of confrontation | Aston Villa have lost their last 11 games against the reigning Premier League champions. |
Comments and predictions
The tempo of the game will likely hinge on Liverpool’s early pressure and Aston Villa’s handling of the press. The hosts need Gravenberch back to help stabilise the midfield, while the visitors rely on Watkins’ sharp transitions. With both players in good physical condition, with neither having been too worn out midweek, the game promises to be a tight affair.
Liverpool have home advantage but an unstable defense makes victory difficult. Aston Villa are in the groove and are capable of leaving Anfield with a point.
Score prediction: Liverpool 2-2 Aston Villa.