This weekend, Liverpool will take on Aston Villa in a match that could have huge implications for both sides. Liverpool are currently flying high, having won their last seven Premier League matches, including a 3-0 victory over Leicester on Monday night. Aston Villa, on the other hand, have been transformed since Unai Emery replaced Steven Gerrard as manager and have won nine of their last 13 league matches.
We spoke to Villa fan Crippy Cooke to get the lowdown on both sides’ seasons and Saturday’s clash. Cooke was negative last time they spoke, but now believes European football is a possibility for Villa. Emery has greatly improved them in possession, so they’re able to play out of the back and keep the ball better in the middle third. Ollie Watkins has shone the most under Emery, having bagged 13 goals and four assists since the managerial change, while Lucas Digne has struggled the most and could even be let go in the summer.
As for Liverpool, Cooke believes they’ve had an awful start but a promising end to the season. They’ve had bad luck with injuries in midfield, but they have an enviable attack that should see them secure a top-four finish next season. Cooke predicts that Villa will stay in eighth place, but it’s still a fantastic achievement considering where they were months ago.
Looking ahead to Saturday’s game, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold will be key players to watch out for, while Douglas Luiz and John McGinn will work hard to turn over possession for Villa. Cooke predicts a 2-1 win for Liverpool, as they have been solid at home all season while Villa have struggled on the road of late.