It’s almost nine years since Aston Villa last beat Liverpool away from home, but the Reds know that record is up for grabs on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp’s men battled to a sensational 2-1 win at Newcastle last weekend. The loss was 1:0 and 10 men secured all three points.
Liverpool kick off their second Premier League home game of the season on Sunday afternoon, but face a powerful Villa side – the team who have secured the 2022/23 title. in seventh place.
Unai Emery has made the Villans tough opponents, Pau Torres, Youri Tielemans and Moussa Diaby have all made strong signings and the Merseysiders will need to play well to win.
As the weekend approaches, we spoke to Villa fan and author Crippy to find out about his club, key Anfield battles and more. Aston Villa started with two wins and a loss – how optimistic are you?
Very optimistic after the turnaround.
I had some concerns after the Newcastle defeat as we looked extremely tired from the opening game, not to mention losing Tyrone Mings, but the response was brilliant.
Beating Everton and Burnley with eight goals scored and only one conceded shows our class.
I had realistic expectations for this season as the likes of Man City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Man United, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham will be hard to compete with, but our form over the last two weeks suggests we are there. Who do you see as key players for Aston Villa this season?
Ollie Watkins is an important player because we don’t have anyone else like him if he gets injured.
He has yet to score in the league, but has two assists in three games and tops the list for most chances created (seven).
We would be in trouble without him.
Mings is our leader so we will miss him if he is sidelined due to injury. No wonder Newcastle fell apart after he left, so we all hope for a speedy recovery.
Boubacar Kamara has also become an important player for Villa, turning the ball over as often as he carries the ball deep and making mistakes.
We sold Marvelous Nakamba to Luton because Kamara was better than him, so he’s another one we can’t lose.
Does ex-Liverpool man Philippe Coutinho fit the bill?
He was for a while. Coutinho has impressed in his first few weeks on loan at Aston Villa with four goals and three assists in eight league games, but has managed just one goal in 11 appearances.
He scored just once in 20 league games in 2022/23, so it’s no wonder we’re interested in Saudi Arabia.
If we can sell him before the transfer window closes, I will be happy. He was a terrific investment.
What would you like to change now in Villas?
It’s sad to see Academy players sold so easily as Villa fans pride themselves on the club’s talent development, so I’d like to see us keep younger players.
However, I understand how ruthless a side must be to remain self-sufficient and competitive at the highest level.
Away from Villa, which team will surprise us in the 2023/24 season?
West Ham started brightly, Brighton picked up where they left off and Brentford stayed strong, but I think Crystal Palace can have a good season.
Wilfried Zaha may have left in the summer but the Eagles have a brilliant attack with Eberech Eze, Jordan Ayew, Odsonne Edouard and Michael Olis when he is fit. Which Liverpool player would you most like to see at Villa Park?
He has put up incredible numbers for Liverpool, scoring at least 19 Premier League goals in six consecutive campaigns, so he would be my pick.
As well as being consistent on the scoring front, Salah tallied double figures in assists in five of his six seasons on Merseyside.
One of Liverpool’s best ever signings.
What is it like to visit Anfield as an away fan? Pretty scary.
There is an emotional connection between Liverpool and the supporters and things have intensified now that they are winning again.
There are tough guys who live 90 minutes and wear their emotions on their sleeves, so it always creates a lively atmosphere.
Anfield is loud before matches as supporters sing their anthems and get excited about the game, but things die down midway through the first half.
A restart often brings supporters, but it also depends on the result. Looking ahead to Sunday, where are the key battles?
Dominik Szoboszlai needs to be watched, so Kamara has the important task of keeping him calm. He has pulled all the strings in Liverpool’s midfield, so Villa cannot let him take over.
Lucas Digne has made a good start to the season, but he does not enjoy distracting Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the left.
Watkins could also have a tough physical battle with Ibrahima Konate, although the latter appears to be on the outside. Finally, what is your prediction?
I’ll go Liverpool 2-1 Aston Villa.
It’s been nine years since we won at Anfield so I don’t have high hopes for a surprise win.
We picked up a point in the May game, but Liverpool have started the season well and have an enviable attack that is hard to keep quiet about.
