Aston Villa vs. Liverpool Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 19 February 2025 - bettingexpert
Aston Villa hosts league leaders Liverpool at Villa Park for an exciting Premier League clash on 19 February 2025 at 19:30. This match sees Liverpool, currently first with 60 points, aiming to maintain their seven-point lead over Arsenal, while Villa, sitting ninth with 38 points, looks to climb further up the table.
Liverpool has faced criticism for their recent 2-1 win over Wolverhampton, termed their worst performance of the season. However, their ability to win ‘ugly’ could be crucial in the title race.
Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, is winless in four league matches but has shown fighting spirit in recent outings, including a 2-1 victory over Tottenham in the FA Cup.
Match tips suggest backing Liverpool to win, with the odds in their favor at 1.83. The Reds’ potent attack, featuring Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez, can exploit Aston Villa’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Referee Stuart Attwell officiates, known for issuing few red cards. Keep an eye on weather updates as they may impact play.
Aston Villa vs Liverpool Prediction & Betting Tip
Our recommended betting tip for this game is to back Liverpool for the win. Here’s why:
- Liverpool has been in stellar form, showing strong organization and consistency, especially on the road.
- Aston Villa has been struggling with consistency at home and has dropped points in crucial matches.
- Liverpool’s attacking trio of Salah, Nunez, and Diaz have the credentials to exploit Aston Villa’s defensive vulnerabilities.
| Aston Villa vs Liverpool Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Liverpool to win | 1.83 |
- Liverpool has scored in 96% of their matches this season, highlighting their offensive prowess.
- Aston Villa has failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 5 games, making them vulnerable at the back.
- The Reds have a depth of quality in their squad, allowing them to adapt to various challenges away from Anfield.
Aston Villa vs Liverpool Odds
Heading into the clash, the odds favour Liverpool, with the bookmakers considering them the better bet to win this encounter at Villa Park.
| Aston Villa vs Liverpool Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Aston Villa | 3.88 |
| Draw | 3.94 |
| Liverpool | 1.83 |
Liverpool’s recent form and superior squad depth make them the bookmakers’ favourite. They have consistently scored in 96% of their matches this season, underscoring their attacking power. On the other hand, Aston Villa has been struggling to keep clean sheets and has shown inconsistency, particularly at home.
Given these factors, Liverpool presents a strong case for those looking to place a bet on the match, with the odds reflecting their current status atop the Premier League.
Aston Villa Team Analysis
Aston Villa Recent Performance
Aston Villa has had a mixed bag of results in their last five outings, with one win, two draws, and one loss. Their most recent form shows inconsistency, particularly concerning their inability to keep clean sheets at home. Despite being in the top half of the table, they have struggled defensively, conceding 1.6 goals on average over 25 matches this season.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Aston Villa | Ipswich | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Aston Villa | Tottenham | 2-1 (Win) |
| Wolves | Aston Villa | 2-0 (Loss) |
| Aston Villa | Celtic | 4-2 (Win) |
| Aston Villa | West Ham | 1-1 (Draw) |
Aston Villa’s recent matches highlight their average of 1.60 goals scored per game. However, their challenge remains in tightening their defense, evident from their lack of clean sheets in their past five games. This will be crucial when facing Liverpool’s potent attacking lineup.
Aston Villa Key Players
Aston Villa will rely on their key players to give Liverpool a tough challenge. Up front, Ollie Watkins has been in solid form, netting 11 goals this season. His partnership with Marcus Rashford, who starts on the left wing, could exploit gaps in Liverpool’s defense. Additionally, Marco Asensio on the right wing is expected to be a crucial creator.
Midfield generals Youri Tielemans and John McGinn will be vital in maintaining possession and breaking up Liverpool’s play. Youri especially needs to be on his game to face off against Alexis Mac Allister in the center.
Here is Aston Villa’s expected lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez
- Defenders: Andres Garcia, Axel Disasi, Tyrone Mings, Lucas Digne
- Midfielders: John McGinn, Youri Tielemans
- Wingers: Marco Asensio, Marcus Rashford
- Attacking Midfielder: Morgan Rogers
- Centre Forward: Ollie Watkins
Expect individual battles between Watkins and Liverpool’s Van Dijk, and Tielemans vs Mac Allister to be pivotal.
Aston Villa Suspensions & Injuries
Aston Villa is dealing with several injury issues that could impact their performance against Liverpool. Key players are set to miss the game or are doubtful to play.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Pau Francisco Torres | Foot injury | Late February 2025 |
| Ross Barkley | Calf injury | About a week |
| Matty Cash | Muscle injury | About a week |
| Ezri Konsa | Muscle injury | Doubtful |
| Amadou Onana | Hamstring injury | Doubtful |
| Boubacar Kamara | Knock injury | Doubtful |
| Leon Bailey | Knock injury | Doubtful |
These absences, particularly in defense with Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa, might force Unai Emery to shuffle his lineup, impacting team cohesion and stability at the back.
Missing Ross Barkley and potentially Kamara and Bailey reduces midfield and attacking options, putting more pressure on key players like John McGinn, Youri Tielemans, and Morgan Rogers to step up.
Aston Villa Tactics and Formation
Aston Villa Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Ollie Watkins
- Midfield Trio: John McGinn, Youri Tielemans, Morgan Rogers
- Defensive Strength: Martinez in goal, supported by Andres Garcia and Axel Disasi at the back.
- Notable Strategy: Quick counter-attacks led by Watkins, often exploiting wing spaces through Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio.
Aston Villa will rely on a solid defensive setup, despite key injuries, to absorb Liverpool’s pressure. Expect rapid breaks and creative play from the midfield to support Watkins up front. The ability of McGinn and Tielemans to control the midfield tempo will be crucial in this setup.
Liverpool Team Analysis
Liverpool Recent Performance
Liverpool has been showing solid form recently, with three wins, one draw, and one loss in their last five matches. Their attacking prowess remains strong, averaging 2.00 goals per game and keeping clean sheets in two of these fixtures.
| Home team | Away team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | Wolverhampton | 2-1 (Win) |
| Everton | Liverpool | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Plymouth | Liverpool | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Liverpool | Tottenham | 4-0 (Win) |
| Bournemouth | Liverpool | 0-2 (Win) |
The squad has displayed consistency in both attack and defence, conceding just 1 goal on average over 25 matches this season. Their offensive line, particularly with Mohamed Salah netting 23 goals, has been pivotal in maintaining their position at the top of the table.
Liverpool Key Players
Liverpool boasts several standout players poised to make an impact in the upcoming match. Foremost among them is their top scorer, Mohamed Salah, who has netted 23 goals this season. His pace and finishing ability will be critical in breaking down Aston Villa’s defense.
Expected lineup for Liverpool:
- Goalkeeper: Alisson
- Defenders: Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil Van Dijk, Konstantinos Tsimikas
- Midfielders: Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai
- Attackers: Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz
Key individual battles to watch include Salah against Aston Villa’s left back, Lucas Digne, and Darwin Núñez against centre-back Tyrone Mings. Díaz’s pace on the wing will also be a threat. With such dynamic players, Liverpool is well-equipped to exploit any defensive lapses by Villa.
Liverpool Suspensions & Injuries
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Joel Matip | Cruciate ligament injury | Out for season |
| Joe Gomez | Hamstring injury | Doubtful |
| Tyler Morton | Shoulder injury | Late February 2025 |
| Cody Gakpo | Knock injury | Doubtful |
Liverpool faces some challenges heading into the match with a few key injuries. Joel Matip, a crucial part of their defence, is out for the season, which reduces depth. Joe Gomez and Tyler Morton are also questionable, and Cody Gakpo’s availability is uncertain. These injuries might impact their rotation options and squad depth, particularly in defense and midfield. Nevertheless, Liverpool’s remaining squad members have shown resilience and depth, allowing them to maintain their strong performance across competitions.
Liverpool Tactics and Formation
Liverpool’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Attacking Trident: Mohamed Salah on the right wing, Luis Díaz on the left wing, with Darwin Núñez leading the line as the central forward.
- Midfield Configuration: Dominik Szoboszlai as the attacking midfielder, supported by Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in more defensive roles. This setup aims to strike a balance between creativity and defensive solidity.
- Defensive Strength: With two clean sheets in their last five games, Liverpool’s defense, marshalled by Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté, provides a strong backbone.
- Key Component: Alisson Becker’s goalkeeping skills offer an additional layer of security, granting confidence to the backline.
Liverpool is likely to exploit Aston Villa’s vulnerabilities using quick transitions and a high press, aiming to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities.
Aston Villa vs Liverpool Head-to-Head Statistics
Analyzing the last five meetings between Aston Villa and Liverpool gives us a good idea of how this matchup has historically unfolded.
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | Aston Villa | 2-0 |
| Aston Villa | Liverpool | 3-3 |
| Liverpool | Aston Villa | 3-0 |
| Liverpool | Aston Villa | 1-1 |
| Aston Villa | Liverpool | 1-3 |
Liverpool has clearly had the upper hand, with three wins, one draw, and only one defeat in their last five encounters against Aston Villa.
The most recent meeting saw Liverpool clinch a comfortable 2-0 victory at Anfield. However, Aston Villa managed an intriguing 3-3 draw at home last May, proving they can challenge on their day.
Odds accurate as of 17/02/2025 19:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
